DEDICATION

Special thanks to Cherith Baldry

ALLEGIANCES

THUNDERCLANLEADER BRAMBLESTAR—dark brown tabby tom with

amber eyes

DEPUTY SQUIRRELFLIGHT—dark ginger she-cat with greeneyes and one white paw

MEDICINECATS

LEAFPOOL—light brown tabby she-cat with ambereyes, white paws and chestJAYFEATHER—gray tabby tom with blind blue eyesALDERHEART—dark ginger tom with amber eyes

WARRIORS (toms and she-cats without kits)BRACKENFUR—golden-brown tabby tomCLOUDTAIL—long-haired white tom with blue eyesBRIGHTHEART—white she-cat with ginger patchesTHORNCLAW—golden-brown tabby tomWHITEWING—white she-cat with green eyesBIRCHFALL—light brown tabby tom

BERRYNOSE—cream-colored tom with a stump for

a tailMOUSEWHISKER—gray-and-white tomPOPPYFROST—pale tortoiseshell-and-white she-catLIONBLAZE—golden tabby tom with amber eyesROSEPETAL—dark cream she-catBRIARLIGHT—dark brown she-cat, paralyzed inher hindquartersLILYHEART—small, dark tabby she-cat with whitepatches, and blue eyesBUMBLESTRIPE—very pale gray tom with blackstripesIVYPOOL—silver-and-white tabby she-cat withdark blue eyesAPPRENTICE, TWIGPAW (gray she-cat with greeneyes)DOVEWING—pale gray she-cat with green eyesCHERRYFALL—ginger she-catMOLEWHISKER—brown-and-cream tomSNOWBUSH—white, fluffy tomAMBERMOON—pale ginger she-catDEWNOSE—gray-and-white tomSTORMCLOUD—gray tabby tomHOLLYTUFT—black she-catFERNSONG—yellow tabby tomSORRELSTRIPE—dark brown she-cat

LEAFSHADE—tortoiseshell she-catLARKSONG—black tomHONEYFUR—white she-cat with yellow splotchesSPARKPELT—orange tabby she-cat

QUEENS (she-cats expecting or nursing kits)DAISY—cream long-furred cat from the horseplaceCINDERHEART—gray tabby she-catBLOSSOMFALL—tortoiseshell-and-white she-catwith petal-shaped white patches (mother toStemkit, a white-and-orange tom-kit; Eaglekit, aginger she-kit; Plumkit, a black-and-ginger she-kit;and Shellkit)

ELDERS (former warriors and queens, now retired)GRAYSTRIPE—long-haired gray tomMILLIE—striped silver tabby she-cat with blueeyes

SHADOWCLANLEADER ROWANSTAR—ginger tom

DEPUTY TIGERHEART—dark brown tabby tom

MEDICINECAT

PUDDLESHINE—brown tom with white splotches

WARRIORS TAWNYPELT—tortoiseshell she-cat with green eyes

APPRENTICE, SNAKEPAW (honey-colored tabbyshe-cat)JUNIPERCLAW—black tomAPPRENTICE, WHORLPAW (gray-and-white tom)STRIKESTONE—brown tabby tomSTONEWING—white tomGRASSHEART—pale brown tabby she-catSCORCHFUR—dark gray tom with slashed earsAPPRENTICE, FLOWERPAW

QUEENS SNOWBIRD—pure white she-cat with green eyes(mother to Gullkit, a white she-kit; Conekit, awhite-and-gray tom; and Frondkit, a gray tabbyshe-kit)

ELDERS OAKFUR—small brown tomRATSCAR—scarred, skinny darn brown tom

WINDCLANLEADER HARESTAR—brown-and-white tom

DEPUTY CROWFEATHER—dark gray tomAPPRENTICE, FERNPAW (gray tabby she-cat)

MEDICINECAT

KESTRELFLIGHT—mottled gray tom with whitesplotches like kestrel feathers

WARRIORS NIGHTCLOUD—black she-cat

APPRENTICE, BRINDLEPAW (mottled brown she-cat)GORSETAIL—very pale gray-and-white she-catwith blue eyesLEAFTAIL—dark tabby tom with amber eyesEMBERFOOT—gray tom with two dark pawsAPPRENTICE, SMOKEPAW (gray she-cat)BREEZEPELT—black tom with amber eyesLARKWING—pale brown tabby she-catSEDGEWHISKER—light brown tabby she-catSLIGHTFOOT—black tom with white flash on hischestOATCLAW—pale brown tabby tomFEATHERPELT—gray tabby she-catHOOTWHISKER—dark gray tomHEATHERTAIL—light brown tabby she-cat withblue eyes

ELDERS WHITETAIL—small white she-cat

RIVERCLANLEADER MISTYSTAR—gray she-cat with blue eyes

DEPUTY REEDWHISKER—black tom

MEDICINE MOTHWING—dappled golden she-cat

CATSWILLOWSHINE—gray tabby she-cat

WARRIORS MINTFUR—light gray tabby tomAPPRENTICE, SOFTPAW (gray she-cat)DUSKFUR—brown tabby she-catAPPRENTICE, DAPPLEPAW (gray-and-white tom)MINNOWTAIL—dark gray she-catAPPRENTICE, BREEZEPAW (brown-and-white she-cat)MALLOWNOSE—light brown tabby tomBEETLEWHISKER—brown-and-white tabby tomAPPRENTICE, HAREPAW (white tom)CURLFEATHER—pale brown she-catPODLIGHT—gray-and-white tomHERONWING—dark gray-and-black tomSHIMMERPELT—silver she-catAPPRENTICE, NIGHTPAW (dark gray she-cat withblue eyes)LIZARDTAIL—light brown tomHAVENPELT—black-and-white she-catSNEEZECLOUD—gray-and-white tomBRACKENPELT—tortoiseshell she-cat

APPRENTICE, GORSEPAW (white tom with grayears)

JAYCLAW—gray tomOWLNOSE—brown tabby tomLAKEHEART—gray tabby she-catICEWING—white she-cat with blue eyes

ELDERS MOSSPELT—tortoiseshell-and-white she-cat

SKYCLANLEADER LEAFSTAR—brown-and-cream tabby she-cat with

amber eyes

DEPUTY HAWKWING—dark gray tom with yellow eyes

WARRIORS SPARROWPELT—dark brown tabby tomMACGYVER—black-and-white tomAPPRENTICE, DEWPAW (sturdy gray tom)PLUMWILLOW—dark gray she-catSAGENOSE—pale gray tomHARRYBROOK—gray tomBLOSSOMHEART—ginger-and-white she-catAPPRENTICE, FINPAW (brown tom)SANDYNOSE—stocky light brown tom with gingerlegsRABBITLEAP—brown tom

APPRENTICE, VIOLETPAW (black-and-white she-cat with yellow eyes)

BELLALEAF—pale orange she-cat with green eyesAPPRENTICE, REEDPAW

QUEENS TINYCLOUD—small white she-cat

ELDERS FALLOWFERN—pale brown she-cat who has losther hearing

MAPS

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CONTENTS

DedicationAllegiancesMaps

PrologueChapter 1Chapter 2Chapter 3Chapter 4Chapter 5Chapter 6Chapter 7Chapter 8Chapter 9Chapter 10Chapter 11Chapter 12Chapter 13Chapter 14Chapter 15

Chapter 16Chapter 17Chapter 18Chapter 19Chapter 20Chapter 21Chapter 22Chapter 23

Back AdsAbout the AuthorBooks by Erin HunterCreditsCopyrightAbout the Publisher

PROLOGUE

The dying sun bronzed the rock outcrop where a tomsat, his yellow fur aflame as shadows lengthenedbehind him. It had been a good day. He’d caughtenough prey to fill his belly and chased butterfliesbeside a stream where the water was clear and tastedof the mountains. Below him, there was a cleft in therocks; high enough to be safe from prying foxes, andfacing away from the wind, it would make a goodplace to spend the night.

He sat down, relishing the cool breeze in his fur. Itschill, which announced the coming of leaf-fall, excitedhim. Prey would be fattening itself for the long, colddays ahead. He licked his lips, anticipating the richerflavors and softer flesh. He was no longer afraid of thecoming cold. His hunting skills improved every season.Only a very cruel leaf-bare would leave him hungrynow.

He glanced down, spotting movement in theshadows below. A silver pelt. Familiar? “Who’sthere?” Green eyes glinted up at him, and he

recognized them at once. “Needletail!” He purred asshe climbed the rocks and stopped. “It’s been agessince I’ve seen you. How are you?”

The she-cat paced around him, her pelt twitching.The tom could see from her distracted gaze that

Needletail was upset. He stood and gazed at herwarmly, hoping he could soothe her. “What’s wrong?Sit down and tell me about it.”

She paused and stared at him, sadness in her eyes.The tom’s pelt prickled as he waited for her to

speak.“It’s too terrible,” she growled. The breeze ruffled

her pelt.The tom slid around her, smoothing her fur with his

own. He felt her stiff posture soften. “Nothing can bethat bad, surely?”

Needletail’s unease seemed to give way totiredness, and she slumped into a crouch.

He hunkered down beside her and followed hergaze to the distant horizon. She felt bony beside him;she’d grown thin. “What’s wrong?” he asked gently.

“I’ve been so dumb,” she mewed. “I trusted thewrong cat. Many suffered. I need to make it right.”

She turned her gaze to meet the tom’s. “Will you helpme?”

“I’ll help you any way I can.” He blinked at hereagerly, then paused. Suddenly, he could see throughher glassy stare; shadows were buried in her eyes.Stiffening, he sat up and glanced along her silver pelt.A faint glow shone from within her. It was a glow he’dseen before, but not in Needletail. The fiery sunshinehad disguised it, but now, as the shadows deepenedinto darkness, he could see the glow clearly. It lit herlike swallowed moonlight. His heart ached with grief.

“Needletail,” he breathed. “How did you die?”

CHAPTER 1

“Hurry up, Twigpaw!” Ivypool’s mew rang thoughthe trees.

Hush! Twigpaw flicked her tail irritably. A mousewas snuffling through the freshly fallen leaves of anoak. She could see it in the shadow of a root. It frozeas Ivypool’s mew shattered the silence. Twigpawdidn’t move, relaxing only when the mouse once morebegan rummaging through the leaves.

She leaped and felt the soft flesh of the mousebeneath her claws as she slammed her paws down.After giving a quick killing bite, she lifted its limp bodybetween her teeth and turned to join the others.

Ivypool was hauling a thrush—an earlier catch—from beneath a clump of ferns. Sparkpelt paced behindFernsong, and Cherryfall lounged in a patch of late-afternoon sun. As Twigpaw reached them, she tossedthe mouse onto the pile of prey they had collected.

Lionblaze sat stiffly, his gaze probing the forest asthough searching for danger.

“I don’t know what you’re looking for.” Sparkpelt

sniffed at him. “The rogues are gone and all the otherClan cats are in our camp.”

“Not all the Clan cats,” Ivypool pointed out.“ShadowClan went home days ago,” Fernsong

added.“But we’ve still got half of RiverClan and a whole

new Clan cluttering up our dens.” Sparkpelt fluffed outher fur. “I’m sick of sleeping under ferns so aRiverClan warrior can have my nest. In another moon,the ferns will have shriveled and I’ll be sleeping in thecold.”

“Reedwhisker needs your nest,” Fernsongreminded her. “He’s still recovering from being heldcaptive by the rogues.”

“And he won’t be there much longer,” Ivypoolmeowed. “Mistystar says that RiverClan has nearlyfinished rebuilding their camp. They’ll be able to gohome soon.”

“What about SkyClan?” Sparkpelt challenged.Lionblaze answered without moving his gaze from

the distant trees. “SkyClan will be gone soon too.”“Where? They have nowhere to go.” Cherryfall

got to her paws.

“The Clan leaders will decide at the nextGathering,” Lionblaze told her.

Sparkpelt’s fur prickled along her spine. “What arethey going to do? Invent new territory for SkyClan tolive on?”

“There’s not enough room around the lake for anextra Clan.” Cherryfall glanced at Twigpaw.

Twigpaw shrank beneath her pelt. Was the gingershe-cat blaming her? I found SkyClan and broughtthem here. This fact, which had made her so proudinitially, had begun to peck at her like a crow. Thecamp was overcrowded, and where would SkyClanlive? But my father is in SkyClan. I have a familynow. Despite the happy thought, worry wormed inTwigpaw’s belly. Perhaps I was being selfish bybringing them to the lake. Perhaps there isn’t roomfor another Clan.

“Who’s going to give up territory to make room forthem?” Sparkpelt stared at Lionblaze as though thegolden tom should have an answer.

He shrugged. “Let StarClan decide.”“StarClan wanted them back.” Cherryfall pawed

through the day’s catch. “Let StarClan find them

somewhere to live.”Fernsong shifted his paws. “At least the prey is

running well,” he meowed. “I just hope we haveenough to feed everyone tonight.”

“Bramblestar sent out five hunting parties today,”Ivypool reminded him. “And RiverClan will bring preywith them when they return from working on theircamp.”

“If they return,” Sparkpelt sniffed. “Last nightMistystar and her patrol didn’t come back at all.”

Twigpaw felt a twinge of irritation. “I thought youwanted them gone.” Why was Sparkpelt being socrabby? She was usually so positive about everything.“You should be happy they didn’t come back.”

Sparkpelt flicked her tail dismissively. “Let’s takeour prey home.” She snatched a shrew and a vole bytheir tails.

“Good idea.” Ivypool picked up the thrush.Twigpaw grabbed her mouse. At least with her

mouth full Sparkpelt won’t be able to complainanymore. Lionblaze, Cherryfall, and Fernsonggathered up the last of the prey, and together theyheaded back to the hollow.

At the camp entrance, Twigpaw waited for therest of the patrol to duck through the thorn tunnel. Thebranches scraped her pelt as she followed themthrough. On the other side, cats crowded the clearing,chattering like a flock of starlings. Scents swirledaround her. RiverClan and SkyClan scent mingled withthe smell of her Clanmates. And the faint odor ofShadowClan still lingered on the bushes around theedge of the camp.

As usual, SkyClan’s warriors lay around theapprentices’ den, soaking up the last of the late-greenleaf sun before its rays disappeared behind thecliff top. Two of their apprentices, Dewpaw andFinpaw, practiced battle moves in the clearing, whileReedpaw jeered fondly at her brothers’ clumsy leapsand rolls. Leaf-fall was coming fast; leaves drifteddown from the trees at the top of the hollow, fallingsoftly around them.

Twigpaw scanned SkyClan, looking for Hawkwing,Blossomheart, and Violetpaw. Her kin. WhenShadowClan had returned to their own territory a fewdays ago, Rowanstar had allowed Violetpaw to remainbehind so that she could spend time with their father

and his sister. Twigpaw loved sharing the camp withkin at last, and when she couldn’t see their pelts amongthe others, she wondered, with a prickle of anxiety,where they were. She couldn’t let go of the fear thatshe might lose them again.

Leafstar stood near her Clan. Twigpaw caught hereye. The mottled brown-and-cream SkyClan leadermust have seen worry in her gaze, because she noddedtoward the medicine den. “Alderheart is checking onHawkwing,” she called over the murmur of voices.“Violetpaw went with him.”

Twigpaw’s pelt prickled with concern. “Is heokay?”

“Don’t worry,” Leafstar purred. “Alderheart’schecked on all of us today. I think your medicine catlikes making us eat herbs.”

Blossomheart, the SkyClan she-cat who Twigpawhad recently learned was her father’s littermate, liftedher head. “He says it’ll help us build up our strength,but I think he just likes to see the look on our faces aswe swallow them.”

Outside the nursery, Tinycloud shuddered. “I’m notswallowing any more herbs till I’ve kitted,” she mewed

indignantly. She glanced at her bulging belly. “There’shardly room for these kits in my belly, even withoutherbs.”

Blossomfall lay beside her. “Your kits will comesoon enough.” As she spoke, Stemkit and Eaglekitscrambled over their mother and hurtled after Plumkitand Shellkit, who were darting among the other cats,squealing with delight as they played warrior and prey.Blossomfall purred loudly. “And as you know, oncethey do, you won’t get any peace.”

Feeling a pang in her stomach, Twigpaw hurriedtoward the fresh-kill pile. A group of RiverClan catssat clustered below Highledge. Reedwhisker, Mintfur,Brackenpelt, and Icewing, who had been held captiveby Darktail and his rogues, still looked thin and hollow-eyed after their ordeal. They had been starved incaptivity, and their wounds had been left to fester.Now Lakeheart and Mallownose flanked themprotectively while Willowshine licked another stickypoultice into Mintfur’s scratches.

ThunderClan’s patrols were back in camp, too.Berrynose and Poppyfrost were enjoying some preybeside the warriors’ den, while Brightheart and

Cloudtail shared tongues nearby. Jayfeather wasoutside the medicine den, helping Briarlight with herexercises. Birchfall stood at the center of the clearing,looking lost. He craned his neck, scanning thecountless pelts as though looking for someone, thenpurred with delight as he caught sight of Whitewingand hurried to join her.

As Twigpaw picked her way between the catssprawled around the clearing, Graystripe pushed hisway out of the elders’ den. Behind him, thehoneysuckle walls bulged as cats moved inside.Mosspelt, the RiverClan elder, and two cats fromSkyClan had made nests there. Graystripe shook outhis fur. “Fresh air!” he rumbled, sounding relieved.“It’s so stuffy in there, even the fleas are trying to getout.”

His mew was swallowed by the chatter of theother cats. But from Highledge, Bramblestar caughtthe elder’s eye and nodded sympathetically.

Finally, Twigpaw reached the fresh-kill pile anddropped her prey.

“Have you seen this?” Molewhisker was alreadythere. “RiverClan brought back frogs.” He was staring

in disgust at the smooth, fat bodies among the furryforest prey.

Twigpaw wrinkled her nose. “I guess they like thetaste.”

“Just so long as they don’t try to feed them to us,”Molewhisker sniffed.

Cherryfall dropped her rabbit onto the pile. “Atleast they caught something.” She glanced pointedly atthe SkyClan cats. “Some of our visitors are still tooweak to hunt.”

Twigpaw bristled. “It’s not their fault. They’vebeen through a lot.”

Ivypool brushed past and laid her catch on theground. “Jayfeather said they’re supposed to rest untilthey get their strength back.”

Cherryfall grunted. “And who’s going to help usget our strength back after we’ve finished feeding halfthe forest?”

As Lionblaze and Fernsong laid their prey besidethe others’, Lionblaze looked sternly at Cherryfall.“Complaining isn’t going to help anyone.”

“She’s allowed to have an opinion.” Molewhiskermoved closer to the ginger she-cat and glared at

Lionblaze. “Besides, are we even sure that SkyClan isa real Clan?”

Cherryfall flicked her tail in agreement. “Theymight just be another bunch of rogues.”

Twigpaw stared at her. How could she say that?She opened her mouth to defend her father’s Clan,

but Fernsong spoke first. “Bramblestar says they areone of the original Clans. Are you doubting yourleader?” The pale yellow tabby tom blinked atMolewhisker.

“Then why hadn’t we heard about SkyClanbefore? How come only Bramblestar knew aboutthem?”

Ivypool flicked her tail crossly. “StarClan knewabout them,” she meowed. “Are you contradicting ourancestors?”

Twigpaw felt a rush of gratitude toward hermentor.

Ivypool went on. “It’s not SkyClan’s fault theyreturned to us at such a bad time.”

“They had to return now,” Lionblaze added. “Itwas part of the prophecy.”

“But they didn’t return because StarClan showed

them the way.” Cherryfall turned her gaze onTwigpaw. “Some cat brought them here because shewanted to find her father.”

“That was part of StarClan’s prophecy, too,”Lionblaze retorted. “We found Twigpaw in theshadows so that she could clear the sky—”

Twigpaw couldn’t listen to any more. Cherryfall’swords were stinging like nettles. She turned away, hotwith shame. Cherryfall was right. She had searchedfor SkyClan because she’d wanted to find her father.Her paws hadn’t been guided by StarClan but by herown selfishness.

“Wait.” Ivypool hurried after Twigpaw.Twigpaw stopped, her pelt pricking with worry. “I

didn’t mean to spoil everything.”“You did a huge thing by bringing SkyClan here,”

Ivypool told her. “This is where they belong. StarClanwanted them to return, and you’re the one who foundthem.” She touched her nose to Twigpaw’s head. “Iam so proud of you. And”—she pulled back andlooked Twigpaw in the eyes—“I’m sorry that I didn’tsupport you when you wanted to find your kin.”

Twigpaw looked at Ivypool gratefully. It did make

her feel better to hear her mentor apologize. IfThunderClan had sent out a search party, Twigpawwouldn’t have had to go out on her own, againstBramblestar’s orders. But more than that, it had hurtTwigpaw not to have her mentor’s support onsomething so important to her. “Thank you.” Sheclosed her eyes. “But I’m worried I may have causedmore trouble for the Clans by bringing SkyClan here.”

“If you have, it’s trouble StarClan wants us tohave.” Twigpaw opened her eyes, and Ivypool met hergaze before she went on. “And it’s far less troublethan we’ve seen in the past moons. Darktail is deadand his rogues are gone. The Clans must find theirpaws again, and we must find space for SkyClan. Itmay not be easy, but once it’s finished, all the Clanswill be stronger for it.” Ivypool dipped her head. “I’msorry. I wasn’t thinking about you or SkyClan.”

“What were you thinking about?”Ivypool glanced around nervously. “Tigerheart and

Dovewing were quick to volunteer to join the search.”She lowered her voice. “I didn’t think it was a goodidea for them to travel together.”

Twigpaw understood. While Tigerheart had been

staying in the ThunderClan camp, he and Dovewinghad made more and more excuses to hunt and patroltogether. They’d even shared prey. Twigpaw had seenthe accusing glances exchanged by her Clanmatesevery time Dovewing and Tigerheart brushed pasteach other on the way to the fresh-kill pile. Ivypoolmust be relieved that Tigerheart and the ShadowClancats were gone. How could a relationship between hersister and another Clan’s deputy lead to anything buttrouble?

She nodded. “So you didn’t want to stop me fromfinding my father?”

Ivypool blinked at her slowly. “Of course not. AndI’m sorry you thought I did, and that my actions putyou in danger.”

“And you’re not mad that I snuck off by myself?”Twigpaw pressed.

“I would have done the same.” Ivypool’s gaze waswarm. “I’m glad you came back safely. ThunderClanis lucky to have you.”

A purr swelled in Twigpaw’s throat. She felt happythey’d cleared the air. Suddenly, Cherryfall’scomplaints didn’t seem important. Once more she felt

sure she’d done the right thing by bringing SkyClanhome. “Thanks, Ivypool.”

Ivypool nodded toward the medicine den. “I thinkVioletpaw wants you.”

Twigpaw followed her gaze. Violetpaw was staringat her anxiously from beside the entrance. Wassomething wrong with Hawkwing? Twigpaw hurriedtoward her, heart beating in her throat. “What’shappened?”

Jayfeather looked up as she passed him.“Nothing.” He lifted one of Briarlight’s crippled hindlegs with his paws and began to ease it up and downslowly. “Alderheart’s just decided that SkyClan needstwice as much attention as any other cats in this camp.Perhaps he’s hoping Leafstar will make him theirmedicine cat.”

“That’s not fair!” Twigpaw stopped and stared atJayfeather. “He’s just being a good medicine cat. Likeyou taught him to be.”

Jayfeather’s blind blue gaze fixed on her, but hedidn’t say anything. Indeed, his eyes widened slightly,as though he was impressed that she’d stood up tohim.

“Come inside,” Violetpaw urged. Her gaze flittedaround the busy camp. Twigpaw knew her sisterwasn’t comfortable in ThunderClan. But she hadn’tbeen comfortable in ShadowClan, either. Or with therogues. She only seemed happy with Hawkwing by herside.

Twigpaw followed her into the medicine den.Inside, late sunshine glittered at the top of the smallhollow, sparkling on the damp cliff face where watertrickled down to a small pool. Beside it, Alderheartwas checking Hawkwing’s pelt. “The scratches havehealed and you’re looking better,” the medicine cat toldhim.

“So I can hunt now?” Hawkwing looked eager.“You should still rest for a few more days.”

Alderheart pawed a small pile of herbs toward theSkyClan deputy.

“Are you sure?” Hawkwing meowed impatiently.“I don’t like being a burden on ThunderClan. I want tocontribute to the fresh-kill pile.”

“I’m sure.” Alderheart sat back on his haunches.“And I’m sure a few mice and voles will be happy tolive another day.”

Hawkwing caught sight of Twigpaw. He purred.“How was the hunt?”

“Great.” She crossed the medicine den and rubbedher cheek against his. “I caught a mouse and ashrew.”

“I can’t wait until I can be out there with you.” Hisgaze flicked to Violetpaw. “I always dreamed I’d huntbeside my kits one day.”

Violetpaw sat down and wrapped her paws overher tail, returning her father’s gaze happily.

Twigpaw felt a twinge of guilt. Hawkwing hadalready said that he would be happy for her to joinSkyClan. Was she supposed to? Were kin moreimportant than the Clan that had raised her?

“You’ve both grown into such fine cats.”Hawkwing turned to Alderheart. “I can’t thank youenough for finding them and looking after them.”

Alderheart glanced away self-consciously. “It wasmy privilege,” he murmured. “And I’m glad SkyClan isback where it belongs. I’ve been searching for youever since my first vision.”

“It’s good to be among the other Clans,”Hawkwing meowed. “All we need now is our own

territory so we don’t have to rely on the kindness ofothers.”

There’s not enough room around the lake for anextra Clan. Cherryfall’s words rang in Twigpaw’shead. But there was plenty of room. It took a wholeday to mark the borders of ThunderClan territory. Sheguessed the same was true of the other Clans’ land.Surely they didn’t need that much space? Cherryfall’sjust being difficult. She dismissed her Clanmate’swords. “There’s prey outside,” she mewed. “Let’s goand find something to eat.”

“Eat your herbs first,” Alderheart told Hawkwing.Twigpaw headed for the entrance while

Hawkwing lapped up the shredded leaves. As sheducked outside, an angry yowl pierced the air.

“What is Mosspelt supposed to eat?” Owlnose, abrown tabby RiverClan tom, was staring angrily atCloudtail. The fresh-kill pile had dwindled, but therewere still plenty of mice and voles there, along withCherryfall’s rabbit.

“There’s more than enough left for Mosspelt,”Cloudtail answered sharply. “I don’t know why you’remaking a fuss.”

Owlnose glared at him. “Have you forgotten thewarrior code? The weakest cats eat first.” He glancedat the ThunderClan warriors eating prey around theedge of the clearing and then at Graystripe and Millie,who were tucking into a thrush. His angry glareseemed to silence the Clans. A hush descended overthe hollow. “Why do your elders eat while ours goeshungry?”

Mosspelt was sitting outside the elders’ den, eyesbleary.

Graystripe looked up from his meal, his earspricking. “Has some cat gone hungry?”

“Mosspelt,” Owlnose meowed indignantly.“She was asleep,” Graystripe told him. “Even

RiverClan cats can’t eat in their sleep, and I didn’twant to wake her. There’s nothing worse than beingwoken from a nap.”

Owlnose scowled at him. “Going hungry is worse.”Millie sat up. “Mosspelt can share with us.” With a

flick of her tail, she beckoned the RiverClan eldertoward the thrush.

Mosspelt headed toward it, her pelt prickling self-consciously.

Owlnose’s fur bristled. “So all we get isThunderClan leftovers now?”

“Perhaps if you spent more time hunting and lesstime complaining, there’d be enough for everyone.”Molewhisker lifted his chin defiantly.

But there is enough for everyone. Twigpawlooked at the prey left on the fresh-kill pile. Why werethe toms making such a fuss?

Hawkwing and Violetpaw padded from themedicine den.

“What are they arguing about?” Violetpawwhispered as Lakeheart and Brackenpelt joinedOwlnose and glared at Molewhisker.

Twigpaw shifted her paws uneasily. “I think thereare too many warriors in one camp.”

The thorn barrier trembled and Mistystar paddedin, Minnowtail, Breezepaw, Mallownose, and Podlightfollowing at her heels. They stopped and stared insurprise. The camp was suddenly silent. “What’shappening here?” the RiverClan leader demanded.

Bramblestar leaped from Highledge. “Just adisagreement,” he explained. “It’s nothing to worryabout. Every cat will feel better once they’ve eaten.”

Mistystar looked at Owlnose, Lakeheart, andBrackenpelt. “I hope you are showing respect.ThunderClan has been kind to us.”

The warriors didn’t meet her gaze.Mistystar flicked her tail sharply. She turned to

Bramblestar and dipped her head. “Thank you for yourgenerosity. But I think it’s time RiverClan returned toour camp.”

Bramblestar flicked his muzzle towardReedwhisker and Mintfur, the most injured of theRiverClan warriors. “Are you sure that’s wise?”

Mistystar glanced at them. “Don’t worry. Ourinjured cats will be cared for. Our medicine cats are asskilled as yours. And we’ve made good progressrebuilding the camp. We need to be home now to finishthe work.”

Bramblestar nodded. “Very well. Would you likeme to send a ThunderClan patrol with you? They couldstay and help.”

“Thank you, but no.” Mistystar was firm.“At least stay and eat with us.” Bramblestar

glanced at Mosspelt, who had only just taken her firstbite of thrush.

All gazes were fixed on Mistystar. Twigpaw felttightness in her chest and realized that she was holdingher breath. She didn’t want RiverClan to leave whiletensions were still running high.

After a moment, Mistystar blinked softly. “Thankyou, Bramblestar. We will.”

Relieved, Twigpaw waited beside Violetpaw andHawkwing while Bramblestar led the RiverClan leaderto the fresh-kill pile and nosed Cherryfall’s rabbittoward her.

Mistystar pushed it aside and picked out a shrew.“This will be enough.”

When she had left, Twigpaw padded toward thepile. She passed a mouse to Hawkwing and a shrew toVioletpaw before picking a vole for herself.

“Where shall we eat?” Violetpaw glancednervously around the crowded clearing.

“Over there.” Twigpaw nodded toward an emptyspot beside the SkyClan cats.

As Hawkwing and Violetpaw headed away,Ivypool called to her.

“Twigpaw!” Her mentor trotted happily towardher. “I’ve spoken to Bramblestar. We both agree it’s

time for your assessment.”My assessment! Excitement sparked through

Twigpaw’s pelt. She’d have her warrior name at last!But the thought seemed to freeze in her mind. Sheglanced across the clearing to where Violetpaw andHawkwing were settling down to eat beside SkyClan.Is that what I really want? To become aThunderClan warrior? Perhaps she should bepreparing for a life in SkyClan, as Violetpaw clearlywas. After all, that was what her father wanted.

Is ThunderClan really my home now?

CHAPTER 2

Alderheart ran his paw over Tinycloud’s belly, happyto feel the fur now thick and smooth and her kitsmoving around inside. “They’re stronger and so areyou.” He sat back and admired the SkyClan queen asshe lay outside the ThunderClan nursery. Like the restof her Clan, she’d gained weight during her stay inThunderClan and was looking fitter. Her shoulders nolonger stuck up like sparrows’ wings. “Your kits willcome soon.”

Leafpool shifted beside him, looking the queenover. “I’m glad they waited until you were strongenough to kit them.”

“I hope they’ll wait until we’ve got our owncamp.” Tinycloud’s eyes shone excitedly.

Alderheart purred. For the first time in moons,everything was going well. RiverClan had left threedays ago; their camp must almost be rebuilt by now.ShadowClan was surely settling back into their oldhome. WindClan’s borders were no longer closed, andSkyClan’s warriors were strong enough to hunt and

bring back prey.Some ThunderClan cats were still grouching about

the overcrowded camp, but SkyClan would soon haveterritory of their own. Finally, StarClan’s prophecywould be properly fulfilled: SkyClan would be one ofthe Clans once more. Alderheart blinked warmly atTinycloud. “Your kits will be the first SkyClan cats tobe born beside the lake.”

Leafpool caught his eye. A warning look. “Comeon,” she meowed briskly. “Jayfeather wanted us tohelp him clear out the herb store.”

Had he said something wrong? “Shouldn’t wediscuss which of us is going to help with Tinycloud’skitting?” He hurried after the light brown tabbymedicine cat as she crossed the clearing. “Don’tforget, SkyClan doesn’t have a medicine cat yet. Oneof us should be with her.”

“We can decide that when the time comes.”Leafpool kept walking.

“But what if she’s in their new camp?” Alderheartprotested. “Perhaps I should go with them when theymove, until they find their own medicine cat.”

Leafpool stopped outside the medicine den and

faced him. “You shouldn’t have told her that her kitswould be born beside the lake.”

Alderheart blinked in surprise. “But they will be,won’t they? They’re due any day.”

“We’re not sure yet if SkyClan is going to stay.”Leafpool’s words hit him like a fierce gust of wind.

“What are you talking about?”“You’ve heard the cats grumbling, haven’t you?”

Leafpool lowered her voice, her gaze sweeping aroundthe ThunderClan cats as they milled about the clearing.Molewhisker and Thornclaw were comparing battlemoves. Birchfall and Ivypool were sharing a mousewith Fernsong, and Sparkpelt was sitting on Highledgebeside Squirrelflight. “I want SkyClan to make theirhome here as much as you do. But not everyone feelsthe same way.”

Alderheart was confused. “Cats are justcomplaining because they have to share their nest andtheir fresh-kill. Once SkyClan has its own camp, they’llhave nothing to complain about.”

Leafpool leaned closer. “What makes you thinkcats who don’t like to share their nests will want toshare their territory? If SkyClan stays beside the lake,

where will they live? They’ll need land, and that landwill have to come from the other Clans.”

“So?” Alderheart refused to understand. Hewasn’t going to let the selfishness of others change theway he felt. “StarClan wants SkyClan here. They senta prophecy that led them back to us. Why would anycat think that a piece of territory was more importantthan the wishes of StarClan?”

“Some cats may find it hard to believe thatStarClan wants them to give up land they’ve fought sohard for,” Leafpool warned him.

“No cat thinks land is more important thanStarClan!”

“Are you sure about that?” Leafpool’s gaze driftedtoward Highledge.

Alderheart, puzzled, looked up to whereSquirrelflight and Sparkpelt were talking. “Squirrelflightsupported my search for SkyClan.”

“What about Sparkpelt?” Leafpool meowed.“She came with me on the first quest to find

them!”“But finding is not the same as keeping.”“What are you trying to say?” Alderheart couldn’t

believe his ears. “You think Sparkpelt doesn’t wantSkyClan to stay?”

“You’ll have to ask her yourself.” Leafpoolshrugged.

As she spoke, Jayfeather appeared at the entranceof the medicine den. “Hurry up, you two! I want tosort the herbs before sunhigh. Leaf-fall won’t wait. Ifwe’re running low, we need to start gathering beforecold weather spoils them.”

Leafpool glanced at Alderheart. “My son seems tohave forgotten that I’ve been running the medicine densince before he was born.”

Alderheart hardly heard her. He glanced anxiouslyat Sparkpelt. If she didn’t believe SkyClan belongedbeside the lake, who did?

Alderheart rushed to catch up to his littermate. “Ihope Twigpaw’s assessment goes well tomorrow,” hesaid, falling into step beside her as she followed herClanmates along the shore. “I think she’s nervous.” Itwas true—Twigpaw had seemed distracted in the dayssince Ivypool had told her she was going to beassessed. But Alderheart wondered if by bringing upTwigpaw, who had brought SkyClan back to the lake,

he might get at Sparkpelt’s feelings on the new Clan.“She’ll be fine,” Sparkpelt purred. “This time

tomorrow, she’ll have her warrior name.”The moon, huge and yellow, hung in the crow-

black sky. A crisp wind gusted from the lake, liftingAlderheart’s fur. The Gathering would start soon.Bramblestar and Squirrelflight led the way to theisland. Leafpool followed with Ivypool, whileCherryfall and Molewhisker trailed behind. Thornclawand Birchfall padded farther up the shore, shadowingthe party beside Lilyheart, Honeyfur, and Twigpaw.SkyClan trailed behind, no more than shadows on theshore.

Alderheart wanted to ask Sparkpelt what shethought about SkyClan. Jayfeather had kept him busygathering herbs all afternoon. This was the first chancehe’d had to talk to her alone. Now he was struggling tofind the words. Would he offend her by asking if shethought SkyClan didn’t belong here? And what if shesaid it was true?

“What do you think the Clans will decide?”Pebbles crunched beneath his paws.

“About what?” Sparkpelt glanced at him.

“About SkyClan.”Sparkpelt turned her gaze back to Bramblestar.

“Let’s hope they decide to do the right thing.”“What is the right thing?” Alderheart tried to sound

casual.“The right thing is for the real Clans to carry on

living the way they’ve always lived.”“The real Clans?”“You know. Us and ShadowClan and RiverClan

and WindClan. The Clans that have always livedbeside the lake.”

“Not SkyClan?” Alderheart fur prickled withalarm.

“This isn’t their home. It never has been.”Sparkpelt sounded matter-of-fact.

Alderheart swallowed. “Then what do you thinkshould happen to them?” He was scared of heranswer.

She glanced at him, her eyes sharp. “They shouldgo back where they came from.”

Alderheart could hardly believe his ears.“Darktail has left the gorge now,” she went on.

“They can go back to their proper home.”

“But what about StarClan?” Alderheart spluttered.“My visions? Don’t they mean anything to you?”

“StarClan wanted us to find SkyClan and we did.”The trees on the island were looming larger, castingmoon shadows on the shore ahead. “Did they sayanything about SkyClan moving onto our territory?”

Alderheart remembered the messages fromStarClan, wishing again that his ancestors weren’t sovague. They had urged him to find SkyClan, butSparkpelt was right; they’d never clearly said whatthey must do once they had. “Not exactly. But I’msure StarClan wants us to keep SkyClan close.”

Sparkpelt glanced at him doubtfully. “And how willthat help? You’ve seen what happens when strangecats move into our territory.”

“SkyClan isn’t strange cats!” Was she reallycomparing SkyClan to Darktail’s rogues? “They’rewarriors. Just like us. They follow the same code.They share dreams with their ancestors.”

“So which Clan is going to give up territory forthem?” Sparkpelt challenged. “Do you really wantmore borders around the lake? Are you sure that willbring peace?”

She didn’t give him a chance to answer, butquickened her pace and caught up with Cherryfall andMolewhisker. Alderheart stared after her, his mouthdry. Had everything he’d worked for meant nothing?Were the Clans going to force SkyClan to leave?

Tiny waves slapped the shore. He could hear thewind in the trees on the island. Please, StarClan.Don’t let the others feel the same way as Sparkpelt.

At the tree-bridge, which spanned the waterbetween the shore and the island, he waited for hisClanmates to cross. Only Leafpool paused beside him.“Are you okay?”

He blinked at her despondently. “You were right.Sparkpelt wants SkyClan to leave.”

Leafpool touched her nose to his ear. Her warmbreath bathed him as she spoke. “Sparkpelt doesn’tspeak for every cat,” she murmured. “But if the Clansdo decide that SkyClan can’t stay, you must accept it.”

Alderheart bristled. “I could never do that!”“We have no choice.” Leafpool leaped onto the

fallen tree and crossed the water. “Whatever happens,we must trust StarClan to guide the leaders’ paws.”

SkyClan was nearing the bridge. Alderheart

jumped onto the fallen tree before they reached him,unable to face their hopeful gazes. He followed hisown Clanmates through the long grass on the otherside and emerged into the clearing beyond. WindClan,ShadowClan, and RiverClan had arrived, but only asoft murmur filled the clearing. The cats spoke to oneanother in muted mews, exchanging wary glances,each Clan keeping to themselves.

Alderheart’s pelt prickled with worry. He’dexpected to find them more jubilant. After all, they’dkilled Darktail and chased the rogues from their land.And SkyClan had been found. The skies have beencleared, Alderheart thought, remembering StarClan’sprophecy. Am I the only one who’s happy about it?

Leafpool beckoned him with a flick of her tail. Shewas already sitting beneath the Great Oak besideWillowshine, Mothwing, Puddleshine, and Kestrelflight,who sat, hunched and stiff, gazing uneasily at theClans.

Alderheart hurried through the wide gap betweenRiverClan and ShadowClan. He was surprised to seehow few ShadowClan cats had come. WindClan satapart on the far side of the clearing. His own

Clanmates had gathered near the medicine cats. Heremembered, with a pang, his first Gathering, whenapprentices from all the Clans had swapped stories andshowned off the new hunting moves they had learned.

Now the apprentices sat in silence. Whorlpaw andSnakepaw sat like stones beside their ShadowClanmentors. Brindlepaw, Fernpaw and Smokepaw, theyoung WindClan cats, blinked at them, as thoughpuzzled by their aloofness. Nightpaw, the dark grayRiverClan apprentice, glanced nervously atBreezepaw. But her denmate looked away, the windruffling her brown-and-white fur.

Alderheart’s paws pricked. What was wrong withthem? His gaze flitted farther around the clearing.Where were all the elders? They loved to come toGatherings to share gossip and stories with oneanother. Tonight, Millie and Graystripe were the onlyelders here.

As he reached Leafpool’s side, the SkyClan catsbegan to emerge from the long grass. A hush fell overthe clearing. Plumwillow and Blossomheart followedLeafstar and Hawkwing, their Clanmates on theirheels. All of SkyClan had come, except Tinycloud,

who’d stayed in camp, too close to kitting to make thejourney.

Leafstar paused and lifted her chin, letting herClanmates file past. Hawkwing scanned the gatheredcats through narrowed eyes, then padded toward anempty space beside ThunderClan and with a flick ofhis tail beckoned Plumwillow to follow.

Blossomheart strolled after her. Dewpaw,Reedpaw, and Finpaw stayed close to their mentors’sides. The young cats stared at the other Clans, theireyes wide. Had they ever seen so many cats in oneplace? Violetpaw looked nervous as she slid from thelong grass. She paused beside Hawkwing, her gazeflitting from her father to her ShadowClan Clanmates.Alderheart guessed she was wondering where to sit:with ShadowClan or SkyClan? Perhaps she’d chooseShadowClan. There were so few of them here.

She whispered something in her father’s ear andhe murmured back. Quickly, Violetpaw dropped hergaze and hurried to where Twigpaw was sitting besideLionblaze. Alderheart felt a pang of sympathy for theyoung cat as SkyClan took their places besideHawkwing. Rowanstar had given her permission to

remain with ThunderClan for a while. But had sheever really known where she belonged?

Bramblestar padded forward and dipped his headto Harestar, Rowanstar, and Mistystar. One at a time,the Clan leaders leaped onto the long, low branch ofthe Great Oak.

Alderheart looked expectantly at Leafstar. Wasshe going to join them? He felt a twinge ofdisappointment when she padded beneath the tree andsat neatly among her Clanmates, curling her longbrown tail over her paws.

The Clan deputies, Tigerheart, Squirrelflight,Reedwhisker—looking healthier now—andCrowfeather, took their place among the roots of theGreat Oak. Hawkwing stayed beside Leafstar as theClans drew closer, gathering beneath the tree. Hostileglances flashed in the darkness, focused onRowanstar.

“Should Rowanstar even be up there?” Icewing’ssharp yowl cut through the chilly air. The RiverClanshe-cat was bristling with anger.

Lakeheart lashed her tail. “Right, is ShadowClaneven a Clan anymore?”

“They chose rogues as their campmates,” Podlightsnarled.

“I didn’t.” Rowanstar stared back at the RiverClanwarrior.

Podlight held his gaze. “But your Clan thoughtDarktail would be a better leader than you!”

“What sort of leader loses the faith of his Clan?”growled Crowfeather.

“If the rest of us have lost Clanmates, their blood ison your paws!”

Alderheart’s breath caught in his throat as herealized that was Molewhisker’s yowl.

“We suffered losses too,” Rowanstar spat back.Alderheart glanced at the ShadowClan cats. There

were so few of them now. And yet they looked assurly as ever, chests puffed, pelts prickling. Hewondered suddenly if they held their leader responsiblefor the deaths of their Clanmates. Tigerheart’s gazewas unreadable as he sat beside the other deputies.Tawnypelt gazed up at Rowanstar with pity in hereyes. Of course they wouldn’t judge Rowanstar;Tigerheart was his son, Tawnypelt his mate, and bothhad remained loyal to Rowanstar the whole time. But

how did the others feel?Their Clanmates shifted uneasily, avoiding one

another’s gaze and the gaze of the Clans. Alderheartfelt their shame. They had chosen to follow a rogue.Their decision had almost destroyed their Clan. But ifRowanstar had been a better leader, would they everhave followed such a dreadful path?

Bramblestar’s stern gaze swept over the gatheredcats. “There is no use in blaming. What is importantnow is to remember that we came together to drive outthe rogues. We would not let them destroy the Clansthen, and we must not let them tear us apart now.Together we are strong. If the events of the pastmoons have taught us anything, they have taught usthat.”

The cats murmured indignantly, but no voiceyowled out.

Bramblestar went on. “We come here tonight toremember our dead and to plan a way forward.” Heglanced at Leafstar encouragingly, shifting a little asthough making room on the branch beside him. Shegave a quick shake of her head as if to tell him not yet.Alderheart understood the SkyClan’s leader’s

reluctance to face the Clans now. Pelts were stillbristling.

“Rowanstar.” Bramblestar dipped his head to theShadowClan leader. “I am sorry for your lostClanmates. Let us remember them here.”

Rowanstar blinked at him gratefully. “Manydisappeared under Darktail’s rule,” he began. “Wedon’t know what has happened to them, but I fear theworst. We’ve lost Mistcloud, Birchbark, Cloverfoot,Lioneye, Slatefur, Berryheart, Rippletail,Sparrowtail . . .”

Alderheart felt shock freeze him as Rowanstarcontinued to list the names of his missing Clanmates.So many! He hadn’t realized the full extent of theirloss. No wonder there were so few ShadowClan catsat the Gathering.

“If only we knew what happened to them . . .”Rowanstar’s mew trailed away.

“They probably went with the rogues!” Lakeheartsnapped.

“No!” Rowanstar’s eyes sparked with rage as hereturned the RiverClan warrior’s gaze. “It is true welost some warriors to the rogues. Sleekwhisker,

Yarrowleaf, and Spikefur chose to follow them, andShadowClan will never forgive them. But the otherswere lost trying to escape Darktail.”

“It’s true!” Snowbird wailed. “I persuadedBerryheart and Beenose to go to ThunderClan sothey’d be safe. But they never arrived!”

“Birchbark and Lioneye told me they wereplanning to leave the rogue camp,” Puddleshine calledout. “I haven’t seen them since.”

Violetpaw’s eyes rounded with grief. “Needletaildied standing up to Darktail. She saved me and herClanmates!”

Rowanstar lifted his gaze to the Clans. “You judgeus, but you don’t realize how much we have suffered.If we made a mistake, then we have paid for it withour own blood.”

“Our blood too!” Mistystar lashed her tail. “YourClan chose its own path, Rowanstar. Our sufferingwas forced on us by your Clan’s actions. We lostClanmates because of you. Shadepelt, Foxnose,Petalfur, and Heronwing were killed fighting therogues.”

Rowanstar looked solemnly at the RiverClan

leader. “I know,” he meowed. “And I hope one dayStarClan will forgive us. I do not expect you to.”

“We will never forgive!” Icewing yowled.Angry hisses rose again from RiverClan, spreading

quickly to the other Clans.“ShadowClan nearly destroyed us all!”“Rowanstar has no right to be leader!”What’s happening? Fear lurched inside

Alderheart. Were the Clans going to crumble just asthey’d found the missing part of themselves?

Harestar stood and lifted his tail. “You blameRowanstar and forget that it was Onestar who broughtDarktail’s vengeance to the Clans. Onestar wasDarktail’s father, and Onestar rejected him. ButDarktail chose his path. He chose cruelty and murder.And Onestar died putting an end to that cruelty. Wehave all suffered. But we must listen to Bramblestar.He is right. Let us not blame. Let us remember thedead and the missing. Let us remember Onestar andhis courage. He faced up to his past mistakes and hegave his last life to destroy Darktail, his own son.”

His words seemed to sweep over the Clans like acooling wind. The cats settled, their anger turning to

solemnity. As calm seeped like water through theclearing, Alderheart realized he was shaking. But hopesparked in his chest. Sense would prevail. Heremembered Leafpool’s words. Trust StarClan toguide their paws.

Mistystar faced the new WindClan leader. “Youspeak wisely, Harestar. WindClan chose well in makingyou their leader, and I’m glad StarClan blessed youwith nine lives, for you will need them.” She lookedaround at the Clans. “I wish you well. I wish you allwell.” Alderheart’s paws pricked as her tone darkenedsuddenly. “But this is RiverClan’s last Gathering for awhile.”

Harestar blinked in shock. “What do you mean?”“We will stay on our land and rebuild what was

destroyed by the rogues,” Mistystar told him.Alderheart stared at her, his mouth dry. She seemed tohave given her words much thought. Had RiverClanonly come here to share this news? Why hadn’tMistystar spoken earlier? Had she wanted to see firstwhat ShadowClan had to say? “But the Clans canmake decisions without us for now. RiverClan needstime. We need peace, and we need to look inward to

heal the wounds that have been inflicted on us. Fromtonight, I am closing our borders.”

She leaped down from the branch and signaled toher Clan with a nod. They crowded forward, followingher as she headed for the long grass.

“But we must decide about SkyClan!” Bramblestarcalled after her.

Mistystar glanced back. “Decide what you like.But I warn you to think twice about letting morestrange cats onto your land. You have seen whatstrangers bring.”

“You can’t go!” Rowanstar called. “Look whathappened to the Clans when WindClan closed itsborders. We must work together.”

“We are not WindClan,” Mistystar answered. “Ifthere is trouble, you may send a patrol to ask for help.But for now, RiverClan follows its own path.” She slidinto the grass. Her Clanmates followed.

Alderheart stared after them, hardly believing hiseyes as the grass closed over them like water. “Theycan’t go.”

Leafpool shifted beside him, her fur pricking.“Perhaps it’s for the best.”

Alderheart blinked at her. “How can you saythat?”

She didn’t answer. She was watching the Clansshift and murmur, their mews edged with disbelief.

“This isn’t like RiverClan.”“RiverClan has gone crazy!”Anxious mews rippled though the crowd.Leafpool got to her paws. “Don’t be alarmed.”

Her mew echoed over the clearing. “It makes sensefor RiverClan to focus on rebuilding. They are like aninjured cat, vulnerable and protective of their wounds.Let them have their peace. I know RiverClan. I knowhow resilient they are. Let them heal, and they willreturn to us a more powerful ally than before.”

As the Clans’ mews softened to murmurs,Bramblestar blinked gratefully at Leafpool and thenturned to the gathered cats. “Without RiverClan, it ismore important than ever that we work together. Andwe are fortunate that an old ally has returned to us.”He nodded toward SkyClan. “Leafstar, please, join theother leaders where you belong.”

As Leafstar got to her paws, the outraged yowl ofCrowfeather rang through the air. “No!” Leafstar

hesitated. “She doesn’t belong there. What do weknow about SkyClan?”

“We’d never heard of them until ThunderClan toldus about them,” Scorchfur called out from among theShadowClan cats. “Why did Firestar, and thenBramblestar, keep this missing Clan a secret so long?”

“Typical ThunderClan!” Strikestone hissed.The ShadowClan cats sounded suddenly confident.Alderheart glanced at Sparkpelt. Her gaze was

flitting excitedly from WindClan to ShadowClan. Wouldshe join their outcry?

Bramblestar lashed his tail. “You all know ofStarClan’s prophecy. StarClan asked us to bring themback.”

“StarClan only told us to find them,” Scorchfurargued. “They didn’t say we had to make them one ofthe Clans.”

“They are one of the Clans!” Bramblestar’s mewwas taut with frustration.

“We only have your word for that!” Crowfeathersnapped back.

And StarClan’s! Alderheart wanted to shout out,but he held his tongue. Was it his place to speak for

StarClan?“StarClan sent a prophecy about SkyClan.”

Rowanstar raised his voice above the Clans. “Wewould be foolish to ignore it.”

Harestar nodded. “Another Clan would make usstronger.”

Crowfeather flattened his ears. “We were strongonce, without them.”

“Their home is here, with us!” Bramblestarbeckoned to Leafstar with a sharp flick of his tail.“Climb up.”

She scrambled awkwardly up the trunk and stoodbeside the ThunderClan leader. Her gaze was anxiousas she surveyed the Clans below. “We want only tolive peacefully among our fellow Clans,” she meowedover the hisses. “Darktail was our enemy! He killedour Clanmates too!”

“How?” Juniperclaw demanded. “You only joinedour last battle with the rogues. I don’t rememberhearing that any of you died.”

“He invaded our home in the gorge and took over,”Leafstar explained. “Eventually, he drove us from ourcamp.”

“Eventually?” Juniperclaw’s mew wassuspicious.

“He lived with us for a while. Like ShadowClan,we didn’t realize how evil he was until it was too late.”

The world spun around Alderheart as an uneasysilence settled over the Clans. Alderheart could feel hisClanmates’ distrust. StarClan! Make themunderstand! His breath stopped as Sparkpelt got toher paws. What was she going to say? He bracedhimself, fearing the worst.

“I know SkyClan has suffered much and lost manyClanmates,” she began. Her voice shook, but therewas determination in her mew, and the other catsquieted as she went on. Tigerheart, watching silentlyfrom the roots of the Great Oak, leaned forward andstared at her intently. “But why can’t they return totheir old home? Darktail is gone now, and so are hisrogues. SkyClan’s old home is safe again. I’m surethey were happy there once. They can be happy thereagain. We managed without them before. Why do weneed them now?” She paused, her bright gaze holdingthe attention of the cats. “If they stay beside the lake,who is going to give up territory to give them a new

home?”Alderheart swallowed. He knew her words echoed

the feelings of many cats. Why couldn’t the Clans seethere was more to life than territory?

Before the Clans could agree with Sparkpelt,Tigerheart leaped onto a root of the oak and looked upat his leader. “Rowanstar, may I speak?”

Rowanstar nodded, looking at his deputy withpuzzlement.

“We have suffered because of Darktail’s cruelty.”Tigerheart padded along the root and stopped in a poolof moonlight. “He has left us weak and frightened.RiverClan has withdrawn to rebuild their shatteredClan. ShadowClan has lost so many warriors that itwill take moons for us to become what we oncewere.”

Rowanstar shifted uneasily on the branch above,but he let his deputy go on.

“There is no doubt that StarClan wanted us to findSkyClan. I believe StarClan had a reason. Not just toclear the sky of the darkness we have suffered, butbecause StarClan knew that the five Clans belongtogether. With an extra Clan beside the lake, we will

find strength when we most need it.”“But who will give up territory for them?”

Crowfeather’s ears twitched distrustfully.“We could.” Tigerheart turned his gaze on

Rowanstar. “We have fewer mouths to feed now. Andfewer warriors to patrol our borders. It makes sense toexchange some of our land for an ally.”

Rowanstar looked thoughtful, as though weighingTigerheart’s words. The Clans watched him in silence.He turned to Leafstar. “Would you be our ally?”

“Yes,” Leafstar told him. “We are Clan cats. Weshare the same ancestors. It would be an honor tostand beside you. And we’d always be grateful for anyterritory you gave us.”

Alderheart held his breath as the cats of WindClanand ThunderClan exchanged glances.

Molewhisker’s gaze flashed with suspicion. “You’dbe allies to us all, right? Not just ShadowClan.”

“Of course.” Leafstar stared into the crowd. “Wewant to live among the Clans our ancestors huntedbeside countless moons ago.” She looked hopefully atRowanstar. “Would you be willing to give us land?”

Rowanstar shifted his paws nervously. “You could

have some of the land beside ThunderClan, with anarrow piece that opens onto the lake.”

“Our land?” Scorchfur looked outraged.Rowanstar straightened as though settling the

decision in his mind. “Our land,” he meowed firmly.Tigerheart stared unblinking at Scorchfur. “Is that a

problem?”Scorchfur looked away, growling to himself.Leafstar’s eyes lit up. “Thank you!” Her mew was

filled with joy.“Then it’s settled.” Harestar flicked his tail.Bramblestar nodded. “Leafstar, you should stay in

our camp tonight, and tomorrow ShadowClan can helpyou mark out your new territory.”

Alderheart felt limp with relief. A decision hadbeen made. SkyClan was staying beside the lake. Hesensed tension ebbing away as the Clans began tomove, like stones freed from ice. ShadowClan had lostsome of its territory, but perhaps the gratitude of aneighbor was worth more.

Bramblestar jumped down from the Great Oak.Rowanstar, Harestar, and Leafstar followed him. TheGathering was over. The Clans began to separate,

each following their leader as they headed home.Alderheart watched Twigpaw and Violetpaw move

happily toward Hawkwing. Their father was staying.“You see?” Leafpool looked relieved. “We can

trust StarClan to guide our paws.”

Mist hung in the hollow, lingering even as the sunrose above the cliff top. The browning trees shone likegold in the early morning light. Alderheart padded fromthe medicine den, fluffing his fur against the damp air.He glanced nervously at the camp entrance, wonderinghow Twigpaw’s assessment was going.

Below Highledge, Squirrelflight was organizing theday’s hunting patrols. Graystripe padded toward theelders’ den, a stiff mouse in his jaws. Brackenfur satnext to Cinderheart and Lionblaze, lifting his face tothe sun as though relishing its warmth. SkyClan milledrestlessly at the edge of the clearing, their pelts ripplingwith excitement.

Violetpaw paced around Hawkwing, both catswatching the camp entrance. When the thorn barrierrustled, she whisked her tail. “They’re back!” Sheraced across the clearing. Hawkwing hung back, buthis eyes followed her eagerly.

Alderheart’s paws pricked as Ivypool hurried intocamp. Her dark blue eyes were shining with pride.Hope quickened his heart.

Violetpaw skidded to a halt in front of her.Ivypool purred at the black-and-white apprentice.

“She passed.”Twigpaw padded though the thorn tunnel, fur

ruffled and breathless.“You passed!” Violetpaw hopped around her sister.Alderheart hurried to congratulate her. “Well done!

You deserve it.”“Thanks.” Twigpaw blinked at him.Why didn’t she look more excited?“Let’s go and tell Hawkwing.” Violetpaw nosed

Twigpaw across the clearing, but Hawkwing wasalready hurrying to meet them, his eyes curious andhopeful.

Alderheart turned to Ivypool, worry wormingbeneath his pelt. “Did she do okay?” He wonderedwhether her mentor would know why Twigpawseemed so subdued.

Ivypool’s whiskers twitched happily. “She didbrilliantly. I’m so proud of her. She deserves her

warrior name.” She headed up the tumble of rockstoward Bramblestar.

Alderheart frowned. Twigpaw was standing quietlywhile Hawkwing and Violetpaw spoke softly to her.Alderheart wondered if he saw disappointment inHawkwing’s eyes. Was he still hoping she might joinhim in SkyClan? But that wouldn’t explain Twigpaw’slack of excitement. Perhaps she was tired, hereasoned. Or she could be nervous about theceremony. After all, she would be going through italone. Most apprentices received their namesalongside their denmates, and sat beside them duringthe all-night vigil that followed.

SkyClan crowded around the entrance, caught intheir own excitement as they prepared to leave fortheir new territory. Fallowfern and Plumwillow flankedTinycloud protectively while Harrybrook sniffed the airand Rabbitleap paced beside them.

Macgyver flicked his ear nervously. “It may be along walk to our new home.”

“We’re only crossing the border,” Sandynosereminded him.

Macgyver glanced at Tinycloud. The queen looked

exhausted already, as though struggling to carry theweight of her kits. “Let’s hope those kits can wait untilwe’ve found a good spot for a camp before theydecide to join us.”

“They’ve waited this long,” Sparrowpelt meowedproudly. “They can wait another few days.”

Alderheart hurried toward the tabby tom. “Whenher kitting starts, send someone to fetch me orLeafpool.” He was still worried about SkyClan startingtheir new life beside the lake without a medicine cat.

“I will,” Sparrowpelt promised.Leafstar stood beside the camp entrance and lifted

her tail. “Are you ready?” She glanced at herClanmates.

As they nodded, Bramblestar leaped down fromHighledge. “Good luck.” He dipped his head toLeafstar. “There will be a ShadowClan patrol at theborder to meet you. Would you like an escort?”

“We can manage,” she told him.Alderheart’s gaze flicked to Twigpaw. She was

going to find it hard to say good-bye to her father andsister. He tried to think of words to comfort her,frowning as he realized that she didn’t look sad at all.

In fact she looked relieved, as though a weight haddropped from her shoulders.

As he met her gaze, she padded forward. “I havesomething to say.” Avoiding the eyes of herClanmates, she looked directly at Bramblestar.

Alderheart felt the chill of the mist reach into hisfur. Suddenly he knew what she was going to do. Heswallowed, his heart aching.

“Thank you for raising me and training me.”Twigpaw dipped her head to the ThunderClan leader.“I shall always value what I have learned here. But Idon’t want to be a ThunderClan warrior. My place is inSkyClan”—she paused to look at Violetpaw andHawkwing, her eyes glistening with emotion—“withmy kin.”

CHAPTER 3

Violetpaw was dreaming. Ferns trembled in amoonlit clearing. Black shadows, soft as fur, hid theforest. She knew this place. It was where Alderheartand Needletail had brought her and Twigpaw to meetwhen they were kits.

She heard a muffled squeak and the brush of furagainst leaves. She purred quietly to herself. Didn’tTwigpaw realize she was making more noise thananything in the forest? Stealthily she crossed theshallow dip in the forest floor, creeping on silent pawstoward the ferns.

They quivered as she approached. She pricked herears and heard her sister breathing. ThunderClan catsare so bad at hide-and-seek . She ducked low. Shewasn’t sure she had ever quite fit in at ShadowClan,but they’d taught her how to move as silently asmoonlight.

She stopped at the ferns, her heart quickening. Shecould hear her sister trying hard to swallow a purr andnot succeeding. She paused, relishing her triumph. In a

moment she’d dive into the thick foliage and giveTwigpaw a surprise that would make her squeak outloud.

A rush of gratitude swelled in her chest. Thankyou, Needletail, for bringing me here. As shethought of her friend, Violetpaw stiffened. A silver tailwas snaking between the trees.

She forgot her game. “Needletail!” She had tocatch up to Needletail. It had been so long since she’dseen her. “Wait for me!” Haring into the darkness, sheraced after the flash of silver. Needletail kept moving,her pelt flitting like starlight through the shadows.Leaves crunched beneath Violetpaw’s pads. Windruffled her ears. “Needletail! Wait!” Why wasNeedletail running away? “I have to talk to you.” Sheran faster, but Needletail kept ahead. The lithe she-catseemed to be moving effortlessly, while Violetpawstruggled to follow. Brambles snagged her fur. Rootscaught her paws. Violetpaw felt her lungs burn witheffort. She struggled on, her limbs heavy, the airseeming to thicken around her so that she felt as if shewere struggling through water. Needletail kept dartingahead like a fish. “Please! Wait!”

At last, Needletail paused. Violetpaw glimpsed hergreen eyes as they flashed in the shadows.

“Why chase me now?” Needletail’s mew was coldand mocking. “You made your choice.”

Dread surged through Violetpaw, jolting herawake. “No, I didn’t!”

A voice sounded beside her. “Violetpaw? Are youokay?”

Violetpaw was still half dreaming. Needletail’sscent was heavy on the air. “I never wanted to loseyou.”

“Violetpaw. Wake up. You’re dreaming.”“It was never a choice!” Her own mew surprised

her. She lifted her head and opened her eyes. She wasin the temporary den she’d made with Hawkwing andTwigpaw. She could feel the warmth of their bodies.Darkness swathed her. It was the middle of the night.

Hawkwing was blinking at her. “You weredreaming.”

She dragged her thoughts from her dream andblinked back at him. Beside them, Twigpaw wassnoring, lost in sleep.

Violetpaw realized she was with her whole family.

Twigpaw came with us to SkyClan. The thought stillsurprised her. Twigpaw had always seemed socomfortable in ThunderClan.

“Are you okay?” Concern shadowed Hawkwing’sround eyes. “Was it a bad dream?”

“Not a bad dream.” Violetpaw shifted in her nest.She didn’t want to explain. “Just weird.”

He frowned. “Are you sure?”“I’m sure.” Violetpaw rested her muzzle on her

paws and closed her eyes before he could ask anymore. As she did, an image of Needletail flashed in herthoughts.

Panic spiked her pelt like burning splinters. Herfriend was in the river. Darktail was holding herbeneath the water. As Needletail struggled beneath hispaws, the rogue stared blankly at Violetpaw. “Maybeyou’re right,” he meowed. “Maybe I should giveNeedletail another chance. What do you think?”

“Oh, yes!” Violetpaw remembered the dumb reliefshe had felt. “Please give her another chance! I’ll doanything you want!” It hadn’t been enough! Grieftwisted her heart. If only I’d tried harder.

Horror pulsed in her paws. She wanted to run, to

let the chilly night air wash the memory away. But shecouldn’t let Hawkwing see her pain. She hadn’t toldhim the whole story about Needletail, and she wasn’tsure she wanted to. What if he wants nothing to dowith me after he hears that I let her die?

“Thanks.” Violetpaw sniffed the mouse thatTwigpaw had brought from the prey pile. It smelledstale. Hawkwing stretched beside her in the dawnlight. He yawned.

Violetpaw felt a flash of guilt. “Sorry I woke youlast night.”

“It’s okay.” Hawkwing sat down, nodding thanksto Twigpaw, who had brought him a vole. “I went backto sleep pretty quickly.”

“What happened?” Twigpaw dropped her ownmouse and settled beside them. “Did you wake up lastnight?”

“Violetpaw had a bad dream,” Hawkwing told her.“Not a bad dream.” Violetpaw repeated, trying to

make herself believe it. “Just a weird one.”“You seemed pretty upset,” Hawkwing meowed.“It doesn’t matter.” Violetpaw wanted to change

the subject.

Twigpaw took a bite of her mouse. “Violetpaw’salways been sensitive,” she mewed, chewing.

Around them, SkyClan had woken up. Fallowfernshared tongues with Bellaleaf. Blossomheart wasshowing Finpaw a hunting crouch, but she looked upand nodded when she saw Twigpaw and Violetpaw.Violetpaw nodded back quickly before focusing on herprey. She knew the she-cat was her kin, and she hadbeen nothing but kind to her, but Violetpaw didn’t quitefeel comfortable around any cat but Twigpaw orHawkwing.

Leafstar rummaged through the fresh-kill pile. Itwas still well stocked from yesterday.

Three sunrises had passed since they’d left theThunderClan camp. In that time they’d made progresson building their own new camp. Leafstar had pickedout the small clearing where the pine trees opened tolet a narrow stream cut through. Cedar and junipergrew here, creating a curious oasis among the straightlines of pine. Violetpaw knew the spot well. Needletailhad shown it to her many moons ago. Low branches,hung with dusty lichen, formed a natural dome for thegrove. Soft green moss grew over the smooth rocks,

which edged the stream. Ferns made natural walls,though Leafstar planned to reinforce them withbramble twines. The SkyClan leader had alreadychosen a low-growing juniper for the apprentices’ denand a bramble for the warriors’ den, though it wouldtake some work to make them habitable. Anotherbramble thicket, growing where the stream flowed intothe camp, would be the nursery. Macgyver andSparrowpelt were working on it now, weaving instraggling tendrils to strengthen the walls. Tinycloudhad already made a nest inside.

Leafstar’s den was a hollow in the old cedar at thefar end of camp. Its entrance was at the top of atangle of roots. The space below, where the rootsformed a natural cave, would make a good medicineden when the Clan had decided who its medicine catwould be.

Violetpaw bit into her mouse, stung by Twigpaw’swords. Violetpaw has always been sensitive. Hersister hadn’t meant them meanly but it felt like acriticism. Violetpaw prickled with resentment. Youwere raised among cats who wanted you around.She glanced at Twigpaw, who was happily eating.

Maybe if you’d been the one chosen forShadowClan, you’d be sensitive too.

Twigpaw looked up from her meal. “What wasyour dream about?”

Violetpaw avoided her gaze. “Nothing really.”“Let her be,” Hawkwing mewed softly.“It had to be something if it woke you and

Hawkwing up.” Twigpaw took another bite of mouseand stared inquisitively at Violetpaw. “I want to know.”

“It was about Needletail.” Violetpaw stared at hermouse.

“Needletail was Violetpaw’s friend,” Twigpawexplained to Hawkwing. “Darktail killed her.”

Violetpaw shuddered.Hawkwing rested his tail over hers. “We’ve all lost

someone.” He gazed sympathetically into her eyes.“Please don’t feel alone in your grief.” He noddedtoward Macgyver, raising his voice so the black-and-white tom could hear. “We’ve all suffered these pastmoons.”

Macgyver turned from his work to meet thedeputy’s gaze. “That’s true enough.” He glanced atBlossomheart. The look seemed to flit around the

camp, passing from one cat to another, making thempause and grow solemn as though awaking sadmemories.

Leafstar straightened beside the fresh-kill pile.“We are not the Clan we used to be,” she admitted.“But once we are settled, I will send a patrol back tothe gorge to look for lost Clanmates who may still bealive.” She spoke encouragingly. “We must not give uphope on all those who are lost.”

“There must be more of us still alive,”Blossomheart agreed.

Tinycloud padded toward the stream. “Once mykits are born, the Clan will seem more like its old self.”

Hawkwing purred. “It will be good to have kitsrunning around.”

“Do you ever wonder what we looked like whenwe were kits?” Twigpaw looked at him brightly.

“Every day.” Hawkwing’s eyes glazed wistfully.“Do you miss our mother?” Twigpaw asked.Violetpaw glared at her. Were all ThunderClan

cats so insensitive? Twigpaw seemed unaware of herstare. She blinked at her father, waiting for an answer.

“Yes.” Hawkwing’s mew was husky. Violetpaw

winced, feeling his grief. “Pebbleshine was kind andwarm. I loved her very much.”

“Will you tell us about her?” Twigpaw asked.“He will, when he’s ready,” Violetpaw mewed

quickly.Hawkwing glanced gratefully at Violetpaw. “It’s

okay, Violetpaw. I’m always happy to talk about yourmother.”

Violetpaw dropped her gaze. Did he really meanit? She was curious about the cat who had kitted them,then died before they’d opened their eyes. She wishedshe remembered, but Pebbleshine had no real shape inher thoughts. I don’t even remember her scent.

Twigpaw jumped to her paws. “Tell us about herwhile we’re hunting.” She glanced eagerly toward thefern tunnel that formed the camp entrance. “I have somany questions!”

Hawkwing purred fondly. “Let me finish my volefirst.” He glanced at Violetpaw. She was halfwaythrough her mouse. “We’d better hurry up or Twigpawwill leave without us.”

Twigpaw blinked at him, puzzled. “I’d never leavewithout you,” she mewed earnestly.

“Of course not,” Hawkwing soothed. “I was justteasing.”

Violetpaw gulped down the rest of her mouse. Ihope hunting makes Twigpaw forget her questions.When Hawkwing had finished his vole, they headedout of camp.

The land Rowanstar had given to SkyClan ran halfthe length of the ThunderClan border and reached likea paw down to the lake’s edge. SkyClan had a smallstretch of shore, though their land grew wider as itreached into the pine forest.

As Twigpaw trotted ahead, tail high, Violetpawrecalled how she had told Rowanstar that she wantedto leave ShadowClan and become a SkyClan cat. Hehad been standing on the lakeside while the SkyClancats sniffed the water’s edge and marked the bordersof their new home.

“I understand.” Rowanstar had looked at her, hisgaze betraying little. She had wondered if he was sadto lose her or simply unsurprised by her decision.

“I want to be with my kin,” she explained. “But I’llalways be grateful to ShadowClan for taking me in.”As she spoke, Violetpaw felt a flash of guilt. She

wasn’t grateful. She wished they’d never separatedher from Twigpaw. But perhaps they’d meant well.Perhaps she’d just never gotten a chance to see thereal ShadowClan—before the rogues came.

Rowanstar dipped his head. “I respect yourdecision.”

He padded away, leaving Violetpaw alone in thechilly wind from the lake. He must be angry that shewas abandoning the Clan when it was so short of cats.And yet she sensed that his disappointment was nottoo great. After all, she had left ShadowClan to livewith the rogues. Perhaps, after all that had happened,he felt he would never be able to trust her.

“Are the ditches this way?” Twigpaw paused andglanced back at Violetpaw. The ditches were the bestplace for easy hunting. Prey liked to run along thegullies.

“No.” Violetpaw hurried to catch up and noddedtoward the rise. “They’re over here.” Twigpaw wasstill finding it hard to navigate the pine forest.

Twigpaw frowned. “All the trees look the same,”she complained.

“You’ll get used to it,” Violetpaw promised. “When

you’ve been here a bit longer you’ll realize that pinetrees are as different from one another as they arefrom oak and ash.”

Twigpaw looked unconvinced. “Yeah, sure,” shesniffed.

“Let Violetpaw lead the way,” Hawkwing calledfrom behind them. “You can learn from her.”

Twigpaw’s tail drooped as Violetpaw slid past herand started along the rise to where it began to dip.Violetpaw felt a twinge of guilt. I can’t help knowingthis territory better than you. She guessed that hersister felt self-conscious about still being a ’paw. Afterall, Twigpaw had passed her assessment back inThunderClan. I hope Leafstar gives her a warriorname soon. She’s worked hard and she deserves it.“The ditches are downslope,” she told her. “Justremember to follow the way water flows.”

“Okay. Thanks.” Twigpaw fell in besideHawkwing and changed the subject. “You were goingto tell us about Pebbleshine.”

Violetpaw glanced back at her father, trying toread his gaze. Did it still hurt to talk about his lostmate? She quickened her pace. Once they started

hunting, Twigpaw would be too busy to ask questions.Hawkwing swished his tail. “I’ll tell you about one

time she was training,” he began. “Your mother hadonly been an apprentice for a moon, but it had alreadybeen far too long as far as she was concerned.”

“I know how she felt.” Twigpaw sighed.Hawkwing went on. “She was desperate to

impress her mentor, Billystorm. She woke before dawnevery day and practiced warrior moves before hewoke up. Billystorm would always emerge from hisden to find her ambushing pinecones in the campclearing or stalking crickets.” Hawkwing purred fondly,as though relishing the memory. “One day, he set her atest. She was supposed to find a secret way out of thegorge, then catch a rabbit, then head back to camp.But Billystorm told her that, along the route, he wouldambush her and try to take her rabbit. She wassupposed to escape the ambush, take the rabbit, andrace Billystorm back to camp.” Hawkwing swished histail. “She was so excited. This was her chance toreally impress Billystorm. I remember how her furruffled along her spine as she searched the gorge for asecret way to climb out.” His eyes darkened wistfully.

“She seemed so young.”Violetpaw heard his mew catch in his throat. “You

don’t have to tell us the story now,” she called over hershoulder.

“Yes, you do!” Twigpaw mewed eagerly. “I wantto know what happened.”

“Pebbleshine did everything right. She climbed outof the gorge and caught a rabbit and, when Billystormambushed her, she fought him off using all the battlemoves he’d taught her. But she forgot one importantthing.”

Hawkwing paused teasingly.“Tell us!” Twigpaw demanded.Hawkwing purred. “She left the rabbit where

Billystorm had ambushed her. She’d been so desperateto beat him back to camp that she forgot all about itand raced home as fast as she could.”

“Oh no!” Twigpaw gasped. “She must have beenso disappointed.”

“Wait and see.”Violetpaw pricked her ears. She was as keen as

Twigpaw to hear what happened next.Hawkwing flicked his tail. “Pebbleshine realized

her mistake as soon as she reached the camp. Sheknew Billystorm couldn’t be far behind. I was waitingat the entrance to see how she had done. When shesaw me, she begged me to help. She was so out ofbreath she could hardly talk. She told me to distractBillystorm. She said I must run to a Twoleg nestnearby and climb a tree and wait there. I thought shehad bees in her brains. How would climbing a treedistract Billystorm? But I did it. I ran to the nearestTwoleg nest and climbed the first tree I came to.Before long, I saw Billystorm racing toward me. Hisfur was standing on end. He stopped below the treeand called up to me.” Hawkwing roughened his mew,clearly impersonating Billystorm. “‘Hawkwing! Areyou okay? Pebblepaw told me she thought she’d seena dog chasing you.’”

“She lied?” Twigpaw sounded horrified.“Not exactly. She only said that she’d thought

she’d seen a dog chasing me. And there was a dogbarking nearby. I could have been chased. Yourmother was smart. Her story distracted Billystorm longenough for her to race back and fetch her rabbit andget back to camp before him.”

Twigpaw whisked her tail happily. “Was Billystormimpressed?”

“Yes. He let her pick the first prey from the pilethat night.” Hawkwing’s eyes shone affectionately.“And when he found out she’d used me as a decoy, hesaid it was quick thinking and a sign of a good warrior.Pebbleshine purred about it for days.”

Violetpaw glanced back at him. Talking aboutPebbleshine seemed to have made him happy, eventhough she was dead. Was that how it was when youlost someone you loved? Her thoughts drifted toNeedletail. Even thinking of her friend madeVioletpaw’s chest tighten with grief. I could nevertalk about Needletail happily. Not after whathappened.

She carried on walking, her paws suddenly heavy.A pelt brushed her side. Hawkwing fell in beside

her. “I hope you don’t mind me talking aboutPebbleshine,” he meowed softly. “I know you mustmiss her.”

“I don’t really remember her.” Violetpaw guiltilyavoided his gaze.

“You were very young when you lost her.” His

mew was soft.“Don’t you find it hard to talk about her?”

Violetpaw asked.“I like to remember her,” Hawkwing meowed.

“And it’s easier now that I have found you both.” Helooked back at Twigpaw, raising his voice. “She wasthe kindest, sweetest cat I’ve ever known, and I missher every day. But missing her doesn’t have to feel sosad anymore because I have part of her with me.”

“Do we remind you of her?” Twigpaw called frombehind.

Violetpaw felt a rush of irritation. Couldn’tTwigpaw ever let a moment pass in silence withoutfilling it with questions?

Hawkwing stopped and looked at Twigpaw. “Youremind me of her very much,” he meowed fondly.

Twigpaw puffed out her chest happily.“Thank you for finding SkyClan. It’s the sort of

thing your mother would have done. She was braveand adventurous too.”

Violetpaw swallowed back jealousy. Aren’t I braveand adventurous?

Hawkwing touched his nose to Violetpaw’s ear.

“You’re more like me,” he purred. “Your mother wouldhave loved you both very much, just as I do.”

Violetpaw held his gaze, saying nothing. The griefin her heart seemed to melt into warmth. Purring, sherubbed her muzzle along Hawkwing’s jaw, and thenTwigpaw’s. She suddenly was happier than she couldhave ever imagined possible.

For the first time in her life, Violetpaw felt like shebelonged.

CHAPTER 4

Twigpaw glanced nervously at the towering pines.A fierce wind was hollering through the branches,rocking the trees. She missed ThunderClan territory,where the trees seemed sturdier, their ancient rootsthick and twisted deep into the earth. Here in the pineforest, she felt as if a tree could topple anytime.

“Twigpaw! Stop staring at the trees and help,”Finpaw called. The brown-and-ginger apprenticeblinked at her.

Leafstar had sent Twigpaw with Finpaw andDewpaw to find twigs to build the camp, whileReedpaw had stayed behind to pick burrs from themoss they’d gathered yesterday. Finpaw had alreadycollected a pile of sticks. His brother was a littlefarther off, reaching beneath a bramble bush.

Twigpaw padded toward them, still craning herneck to watch the swirling treetops. “Aren’t youscared a tree might fall down?”

Dewpaw wriggled out from the bramble, his browntabby fur ruffled. “Why should they? They’ve been

here as long as StarClan.”“But it’s so windy.” Twigpaw had to raise her

voice against the swish of the branches. She squeakedwith alarm as a small twig tumbled down and landedon her back.

Finpaw’s whiskers twitched with amusement. “Ithought you were used to living in a forest.”

“ThunderClan’s forest is different.” Twigpawfluffed out her fur, pretending not to be embarrassed.“When the wind blows there, you can hardly tell. Thetrees protect us from the wind; they don’t whirl aboutlike reeds.”

“ShadowClan seems happy in the pine forest,”Finpaw reminded her.

“At least the wind means there are plenty of twigsto gather,” Dewpaw added.

Twigpaw scanned the forest. Falling twigs caughther eye everywhere, and the forest floor was sprinkledwith thin stems that would be perfect for weaving intoden walls. She pawed one toward her, then turned topick up the one that had bounced off her back. Shetried not to notice the irritation that wormed in herbelly. Why had she been sent out on an apprentice

errand? She’d passed her assessment. If she’d stayedin ThunderClan, she’d have her warrior name by now.She’d be building dens, not gathering supplies.

She pushed the thought away. You chose to joinSkyClan, she reminded herself. You wanted to bewith Violetpaw and Hawkwing. And yet she wasfinding it strange to have new Clanmates. The SkyClancats were kind, but she was used to the order androutine of the ThunderClan camp. Leafstar seemedmore like an ordinary warrior than a leader. Sheworked and hunted and patrolled alongside herClanmates as though she were no different.Hawkwing, even though he was deputy, let the catsorganize their own hunting patrols. Occasionally hewould suggest that it was time to patrol the border, buthe let cats volunteer rather than ordering them to go.

It’s just because they are finding their paws in anew home, she decided.

But that didn’t explain SkyClan’s fondness forkittypets. Twigpaw had been shocked to learn thatSkyClan used to have kittypets as part of their Clan,and that they used to come and go, living with the Clanand their Twolegs. SkyClan had called these cats

“daylight warriors.” Twigpaw couldn’t understand howyou could be a warrior only part of the time. You wereeither a warrior or you weren’t. At least Macgyverhad made the decision to stay with the Clan for good.So he was almost a real warrior. But like Millie back inThunderClan, he’d kept his kittypet name.

And there are so few SkyClan cats. Twigpawfrowned. There were almost as many apprentices asthere were warriors. And it was strange to have noelders at all. Twigpaw remembered, with a pang,Graystripe and Millie. They had seemed like thesteadying roots of ThunderClan, always ready with areassuring word or teasing complaint that madeeverything feel okay.

She had thought being with Violetpaw andHawkwing would cure her homesickness, but thelonger she spent with them, the more she realized howalike the two of them were. They practically sharedthoughts. Sometimes, talking to them felt like talking toone cat. It made her feel like an outsider. I’msupposed to be the one with the special bond withHawkwing. I rescued SkyClan. She was ashamed ofthe thought, but she couldn’t help thinking it. You do

have a bond with Hawkwing, she told herself. It’sjust not the same as Violetpaw’s.

She realized that Finpaw was staring at her. “Areall ThunderClan cats such dreamers?” he mewed.

She blinked at him, sensing that she’d been lost inher thoughts. “Sorry.” She reached for another twigand dragged it onto her tiny pile. Pine needles caughtunder her claws. “I’m still getting used to being in anew home. Don’t you find it strange?”

“Everything has felt strange for so long, it feelsalmost normal now,” Finpaw told her.

“Do you miss the gorge?” she asked.Finpaw shrugged. “I never lived there.”Dewpaw padded over, a bundle of twigs bunched

between his jaws. He dropped them beside Finpaw’s.“We were born beside another lake after they’d leftthe gorge,” he explained. “SkyClan lived there for aseason.”

Twigpaw pricked her ears. “So you’ve never seenthe gorge?”

“Never,” Finpaw told her. There was a wistful lookin his yellow eyes.

“But you wish you had?” she wondered.

Finpaw looked away. “The other cats talk about itso much,” he mewed. “I kind of wish I knew whatthey were talking about.”

Twigpaw’s heart pricked with sympathy. “Me too.”She’d thought she was the only one who felt left outwhen the SkyClan warriors started reminiscing abouttheir old life.

Finpaw blinked at her warmly. “Next time theystart talking about their old life, we can remember theexciting day we spent collecting twigs.” He winked ather. Then he nodded at her meager pile. “We shouldcollect a few more and head back to camp.”

Dewpaw scanned the forest floor, whisking his tailas his gaze reached a patch of scattered sticks. “I’llfetch those.”

“We’ll look under this bush.” Finpaw headedtoward a spreading juniper. “There might be somesnagged in the branches.”

Twigpaw hurried past him. She wanted to make upfor gathering so few. She dived under the bush andwriggled on her belly. A few sticks were caughtaround the central stem. She dug her claws into themand dragged them out. As she emerged, something

slithered beside her. “Snake!” With a squeal, sheleaped backward, her fur on end.

Finpaw purred loudly. “That’s not a snake.” Helifted a twisted root with his paw and blinked atTwigpaw. “You’re so jumpy!”

Twigpaw shook out her fur, trying not to let himsee her paws shaking. “All this wind is making menervous,” she mewed hotly.

It was still tearing at the trees, roaring louder now.The forest floor echoed with the creaking of trunks.

“Let’s take these twigs back to camp,” Finpawsuggested. He called to Dewpaw. “We’re headingback now.”

“Coming!” Dewpaw grabbed his pile between hisjaws and headed toward them.

As he neared, a gust of wind slammed the treesaround them. A crack rang though the air. Heartlurching, Twigpaw looked up. A massive branchhurtled at them. It was falling directly toward Finpaw.

“Look out!” She grabbed Finpaw’s scruff in herclaws and dragged him toward her. Pine needlessprayed her face as the branch hit the ground with asickening thud. Dust and bark showered around them.

“Finpaw!”The apprentice lay beside her, his eyes wide with

shock.“Finpaw!” Twigpaw shook the needles from her

fur and leaned over him.“His tail!” Dewpaw reached them, pelt bristling.Twigpaw followed the gray cat’s gaze. He was

staring at Finpaw’s tail. It was trapped beneath thebranch.

“We have to move it!” Twigpaw leaped for thebranch and tried to roll it away. The weight of itshocked her.

“It’s too big.” Dewpaw stared along the length ofthe branch. It was wider than a cat’s belly and as longas an entire tree trunk.

“Finpaw!” Twigpaw darted back to his head andstared into his eyes. They were bright with pain. “Canyou speak?”

“Yes,” Finpaw gasped.“We’re going to get help.” Twigpaw’s thoughts

were racing. SkyClan had no medicine cat. Sheneeded Alderheart. But ThunderClan’s camp was toofar. Finpaw needed help now. She looked at Dewpaw.

“Run back to camp and fetch help. With more paws,we might be able to move the branch. I’ll head forShadowClan’s camp to get Puddleshine.”

Dewpaw stared at her, ears flat with terror. “Wecan’t leave Finpaw here alone. What if he—”

Twigpaw cut him off. “It’s not far to camp. You’llbe back in the blink of an eye. Finpaw will be okay.”She glanced at Finpaw. “You’ll be okay,” shepromised. “We’ll be back before you know it. Justhang on.” She searched Finpaw’s stricken gaze.

“Hurry,” he croaked.Twigpaw turned back to Dewpaw. “Run as fast as

you can!” But the gray apprentice was already peltingbetween the trees.

She ran for the ShadowClan border. The forestfloor flashed beneath her paws. The springy mat ofpine needles seemed to push her on, faster and faster.She hit the scent line, breathing fast, and kept running.Please let me be running the right way. She’d beento ShadowClan’s camp before, to visit Violetpaw. Butthat had been at night. Still, she knew she was headingaway from the lake. The sun was above her, the windbehind. Her heart leaped as she recognized a rotting

tree stump, and the ShadowClan scents began to growstronger. She kept running, her paws burning, andscanned the forest ahead. Were those brambleslooming between the trunks? She raced toward them,relief washing her pelt as she recognized the high wallof the ShadowClan camp. She rounded it and skiddedthrough the entrance.

Skidding to a halt in the clearing, she faced theshocked ShadowClan cats.

“What are you doing?” Scorchfur glared at her.Juniperclaw blinked in surprise. “How dare you—”“Twigpaw?” Puddleshine poked his head out of his

den. “What’s wrong? Are Tinycloud’s kits coming?”Twigpaw shook her head, fighting for breath. She

gasped in a lungful of air and blurted, “Finpaw!”Puddleshine hurried from his den.“A branch fell,” Twigpaw puffed. “His tail’s

trapped.”Puddleshine blinked at her, then turned back to his

den. “Wait there.” He slid inside.Juniperclaw and Scorchfur stared at her in silence.A moment later, Puddleshine emerged, a leaf wrap

between his jaws. Herbs were rolled inside it and

dangled out either end.Twigpaw nodded quickly to Rowanstar, who was

watching round-eyed from the end of the clearing, thenrushed out of the camp.

Running, she led Puddleshine back to Finpaw. Asshe approached, she saw pelts moving around thebranch. “They’re trying to move it.” She ran faster,relieved when she spotted Hawkwing among the otherSkyClan warriors.

Plumwillow was crouched beside Finpaw’s head.“Don’t worry, Finpaw. We’ll have this branch moved inno time.”

Reaching them, Twigpaw saw the warriorsstraining against the branch. Hawkwing, Sandynose,Fallowfern, and Rabbitleap pressed their shoulders tothe bark and heaved. Blossomheart and Macgyver hadworked a smaller branch underneath and were tryingto lever the fallen branch clear. Their paws slithered onthe pine needles, and Sandynose grunted with effort.But the branch didn’t budge.

Puddleshine slid past them and crouched besideFinpaw’s tail. He examined it, then leaned close toFinpaw’s head. He ran a paw over his head and spine.

“Are you hurt anywhere else?”Finpaw didn’t answer. His eyes were glazed over.“He’s in shock,” Puddleshine meowed. “We need

to get him warm.”Plumwillow pressed close to her kit, her eyes

glittering with fear.“It’s not going to budge.” Hawkwing stared

frantically at the branch.“Can we pull his tail out?” Macgyver asked.Puddleshine shook his head. “It’s pinned too tight.”Twigpaw felt sick.“I need to cut him clear,” Puddleshine meowed

starkly. “Find me a sharp stone.”“Cut?” Plumwillow stared at the ShadowClan

medicine cat with alarm. “Are you sure?”Puddleshine lowered his voice. “If he stays here

much longer, he will die of shock. He’s hardlyconscious. Cutting it now is our only option.”

Plumwillow seemed to freeze, her gaze fixed onthe medicine cat.

Sandynose padded to her side. He looked atPuddleshine. “Is it the only way to save him?”

Puddleshine nodded.

“Then do it,” Sandynose meowed.Puddleshine looked at Plumwillow, as though

asking for her permission. The dark gray she-catnodded.

As Macgyver dropped a sharp stone beside him,Puddleshine leaned closer to Finpaw’s tail. With a flickof his own tail, he waved the warriors away.

Trembling, Twigpaw hurried to her father’s side.“Will Finpaw be okay?”

“We don’t know yet.” He touched his muzzle toher cheek. He felt strong and warm, and she shelteredagainst him. “Let’s get you back to camp.”

Twigpaw glanced toward Finpaw. He was a small,limp shape, half hidden by Puddleshine. “I don’t wantto leave him,” she whispered. Finpaw felt like the firstfriend she’d made in SkyClan. What if he died?

“Puddleshine will do his best,” Hawkwingpromised. “And Sandynose and Plumwillow are withhim. You feel cold. I think you should be in your nest.You’re probably quite shocked too.”

Twigpaw suddenly realized her sister was missing.“Where’s Violetpaw?”

“Rabbitleap took her hunting with Leafstar.”

Hawkwing gently nudged Twigpaw forward. “She maybe back by now. Let’s go and see.”

Twigpaw glanced over her shoulder, her bellytightening as she heard Finpaw gasp with pain.

Hawkwing guided her away quickly.Violetpaw met them at the camp entrance. “Where

has everyone gone?” she asked. Rabbitleap wasstanding beside the stream, looking around the desertedcamp.

“They’re trying to help Finpaw. He’s had anaccident,” Hawkwing told Violetpaw.

Rabbitleap hurried over. “Is it bad?”“His tail is trapped beneath a branch,” Hawkwing

explained. “Puddleshine is with him now.”Rabbitleap flicked his tail anxiously. “I wish

Echosong were still with us.”“Or Frecklewish,” Hawkwing meowed.As he spoke, Leafstar ducked through the fern

tunnel. “I smell fear-scent. What’s happened?”Twigpaw was still trembling. She felt cold to the

bone.“Rabbitleap can tell you,” Hawkwing mewed

softly. “I want to get Twigpaw to her nest.”

“Is she okay?” Leafstar looked worried.Violetpaw’s eyes widened. “Did Twigpaw get hurt

too?”Twigpaw gazed at them blankly, her mind spinning.

Finpaw was suffering! Why were they wasting timeworrying about her?

“She’s just a little shocked and cold.” Hawkwingled Twigpaw to the temporary apprentices’ den, andushered her inside.

As Twigpaw curled into her nest, Violetpawhooked a wad of moss from her own nest and gave itto Hawkwing. “This will help her warm up.”

Hawkwing draped it over Twigpaw, tucking it in atthe edges. Gratefully, Twigpaw snuggled deep into hernest.

Fur brushed the branches near the den entrance asLeafstar slid inside. “How is she?”

“She’ll be fine,” Hawkwing reassured her.“Who are Echosong and Frecklewish?” Violetpaw

asked suddenly.Leafstar blinked at her. “They were our medicine

cats once. Echosong died on the journey here.Frecklewish disappeared before we left the gorge.”

Hawkwing lapped the top of Twigpaw’s head withhis tongue, and finally Twigpaw closed her eyes.

Leafstar’s voice seemed far away. “We don’teven know if Frecklewish is still alive.”

“Maybe we could find out,” Hawkwing meowed.“Isn’t it time we sent a patrol back to the gorge to lookfor our lost Clanmates?”

“Can I go?” Violetpaw asked eagerly.“It’s too soon to decide who will go,” Leafstar

meowed thoughtfully. “But you’re right, Hawkwing.It’s time we sent one.”

Twigpaw felt herself drifting into sleep. A patrol?To the gorge? If Violetpaw’s going, I should jointoo. It might be dangerous.

But what about Finpaw? As dreams began to swirlaround her, Twigpaw clung to one thought.

I don’t want to leave him until I know he’s allright.

CHAPTER 5

Alderheart narrowed his eyes against the sunshineas he padded from the medicine den. Crisp, brownleaves littered the clearing. A soft wind lifted his fur.

“And don’t forget borage!” Jayfeather called afterhim. “We need more borage. But not today. Remindme tomorrow.” The blind medicine cat had beenfussing over herbs since sunup, worrying about gettingnew supplies picked and dried before the rain came.

Alderheart had promised Jayfeather he’d gathercomfrey today, but he hadn’t eaten yet and his bellywas rumbling. He padded to the fresh-kill pile, a littledisappointed that none of the hunting parties hadreturned yet. A stiff mouse and a cold sparrow wereleft from yesterday. He glanced around the camp tocheck that no one else was heading for the pile. Hedidn’t want to deprive any of his Clanmates of a meal.

Out of habit, he looked toward the apprentices’ denfirst. Even though a half-moon had passed sinceTwigpaw had left with SkyClan, Alderheart expectedher to pop out, with bright eyes, excited about the day’s

training. He tried to imagine her in SkyClan. She wasprobably a warrior by now. Wistfully, he hoped thatLeafstar had given her a name worthy of her spirit. Hemissed her questions and enthusiasm and endlessideas.

“Hi, Alderheart.” Leafpool’s cheerful mew jerkedhim from his thoughts. She was padding besideBriarlight as the crippled cat dragged herself aroundthe edge of the clearing. “We’re doing laps today. Ithink Briarlight’s getting faster.”

“I’m not getting faster.” Briarlight puffed besideher, her forepaws holding her up while her useless hindlegs splayed out behind her. “You’re getting slower.”

Leafpool meowed with amusement. Then sheturned toward Alderheart and nodded at the pitifulfresh-kill pile. “Why don’t you wait until the huntingpatrols return?”

Alderheart rolled the mouse closer. “I hate towaste prey.”

“Waste it while you can.” Briarlight paused tocatch her breath. “Leaf-bare’s coming. You’ll haveplenty of time to eat stale prey then.”

“Thanks.” Alderheart sighed. “But I’m so hungry,

this old mouse will probably still taste sweet.”Briarlight began her slow progress around the

clearing once more.Leafpool trotted after her. “Just one more lap,” she

encouraged. “Let’s see if you can get around withoutstopping this time.”

“You’re the one who keeps stopping,” Briarlightretorted. “Do you have to speak to every cat incamp?”

As Alderheart leaned down to pick up the mouse,Squirrelflight’s mew rang across the clearing. Shestood on Highledge, where Bramblestar was sniffingthe air. “Cloudtail, Thornclaw, Poppyfrost. I want youto come on border patrol with me.” As she leapeddown the tumble of rocks, the three warriors hurried tomeet her. They followed her to the entrance.

Poppyfrost’s pale tortoiseshell-and-white fur wasprickling. “We have three borders to patrol now,” shecomplained. “ShadowClan, RiverClan, and SkyClan.”

“It’s still exactly the same border,” Squirrelflightreminded her.

“But with different cats on the other side, we haveto check for different scents,” Thornclaw pointed out.

“You’ll get used to it,” Squirrelflight meowedbriskly.

Cloudtail fluffed out his fur. “At least we don’thave to pay much attention to the RiverClan bordernow that they’ve cut themselves off.”

Squirrelflight looked at him. “We should pay moreattention to it for that very reason,” she told him. “Iftheir scent marks grow stale, we should worry.”

“Why?” Cloudtail shrugged. “Maybe keepingthemselves to themselves means not bothering withborders.”

Thornclaw flicked his tail. “Squirrelflight is right.As long as they’re marking their borders regularly, weknow they’re still behaving like a real Clan.”

Poppyfrost’s gaze sparked with alarm. “Do youthink they might stop being a Clan?”

“I’ve given up trying to predict what any Clan willdo,” Squirrelflight replied, ducking through the entrancetunnel. Thornclaw and Poppyfrost exchanged glances,then followed, Cloudtail at their heels.

Alderheart stared after them. His belly tightenedwith worry. They’d just found one Clan. They mustn’tlose another.

Lilyheart padded to the fresh-kill pile. “You lookworried.” She blinked at him, concerned.

“There has been too much change recently,” hemewed distractedly.

Lilyheart brushed past him and pawed the sparrowfrom the pile. “I still can’t believe Twigpaw left.”

Alderheart heard sadness in her mew. “You mustmiss her.”

“Don’t you?” She met his gaze.Melancholy settled over him like mist as he

imagined Twigpaw trotting out of the medicine den,Jayfeather grumbling behind her. “Very much.”

“It’s hard to raise a kit only to watch her leave,”Lilyheart sighed. “And she was such a bright youngcat.”

Stones clattered behind them as Bramblestarscrambled down the rock tumble. He stopped at thebottom and shook his head before crossing the clearingto where Brackenfur and Lionblaze were sitting withCherryfall and Molewhisker. As the ThunderClanleader greeted the warriors, Alderheart nodded toLilyheart and picked up his mouse. He headed towarda clump of ferns where sunshine was pooling. It looked

like a warm spot to eat.He passed Millie and Graystripe, who were playing

with Blossomfall’s kits outside the elders’ den whileBlossomfall dozed beside Daisy in the sunshine nearthe nursery.

Plumkit hauled her way up Graystripe’s side andclung to his shoulders. “Give me a badger ride,” shedemanded. Her black-and-ginger pelt twitched withexcitement.

“Me too!” Stemkit scrambled up beside his sister.“I want a badger ride!”“So do I!”Eaglekit and Shellkit began wailing.Millie purred at them affectionately. “I think there’s

room for you all.” She nipped Eaglekit by her gingerscruff and plopped her down behind Plumkit, thenplaced Stemkit beside her.

Graystripe pretended to stagger. “You weigh morethan owls!”

The kits squealed with delight and clung ondesperately as Graystripe swayed one way, then theother.

“I can’t carry this much weight,” he puffed.

Millie nudged his shoulder with her muzzle. “Ofcourse you can,” she told him. “You’re still thestrongest cat in ThunderClan.”

“Okay.” Graystripe sighed dramatically and beganto lumber around the clearing, lurching with each stepso that the kits squealed with fear as he swung themthis way, then that.

Millie caught Alderheart’s eyes as he passed. “Sillyold fool,” she mewed fondly, nodding towardGraystripe.

Alderheart’s chest swelled with affection, and hedipped his head to Millie, unable to speak because ofthe mouse between his jaws. What a shame Twigpawwas missing this. But she’ll have Tinycloud’s kits towatch soon, he reminded himself.

He padded around Dewnose and Ambermoon,who were sweeping leaves into the sunniest part of theclearing with their paws. Once dried, the leaves wouldmake a perfect lining for nests, to help keep out theleaf-bare chill.

Sparkpelt and Larksong lingered nearby, andDewnose glared at them sternly as he swept. “Ithought you two were meant to be helping us.”

Sparkpelt eyed him with amusement. “I wouldhelp if Larksong didn’t keep distracting me.” Sheglanced teasingly at Larksong.

The gray-and-white tom looked at his paws, self-conscious.

Alderheart’s pelt prickled with annoyance.Sparkpelt was flirting. How could she be such afeatherbrain? She’d always been so ambitious aboutbeing the best warrior in ThunderClan. Why was shewasting her time acting like a dandelion-headedapprentice? Alderheart stalked past her. He still hadn’tforgiven her for speaking out against SkyClan at thelast Gathering.

He settled a few tail-lengths from them, where thesun was chasing away the shadow of Highledge.Ivypool and Fernsong lay close by, stretching in thewarmth.

As Alderheart bit into his mouse and startedchewing, he heard Ivypool sigh.

“I’m not ready to have kits yet,” she told Fernsong.From the corner of his eye, Alderheart noticed

disappointment flash in the yellow tom’s eyes.“Kits mean endless moons in the nursery.” Ivypool

went on. “Daisy’s getting too old to look after anotherlitter, and I want to be out in the forest hunting andpatrolling, not stuck in camp all the time.”

“Why do you have to be in the nursery withthem?” Fernsong asked.

Ivypool sat up. “What do you mean? I have tonurse them, don’t I? Who else can do that?”

“But the nursing is over soon enough,” Fernsongwent on. “Then you’d be able to go back to yourwarrior duties.”

“And leave our kits to raise themselves untilthey’re six moons old?” Ivypool sounded shocked.

“Of course not,” Fernsong explained. “Once thekits are eating prey, I can move into the nursery. I canmove in before that, if you like, so that you can go onpatrols between feedings.”

“You?” Ivypool stared at him. “But you’re a tom!Toms don’t live in the nursery.”

“Why not?” Fernsong blinked at her affectionately.“Apart from food, all kits need is love and some cat toplay with. I can’t think of a better way to spend mydays.” As he spoke, Graystripe thumped past, the kitsclinging to his back with excited squeaks and purring

so loudly that Alderheart could hardly hear himselfchew.

Ivypool watched them pass, and then leaned downand nuzzled Fernsong’s ear. “I’ll think about it,” shemurmured. “Maybe after leaf-bare is over.”

As Alderheart took another bite of mouse, thethorn barrier rustled. He looked up to see Bumblestripeescorting Violetpaw and Hawkwing into the camp. Hisheart leaped. Was Twigpaw with them? He got to hispaws and headed toward them. “What are you doinghere?” He glanced behind them as he neared, hopingto see Twigpaw follow them through the entrancetunnel. But there was no sign of her. “Have you comealone?”

“Yes,” Hawkwing told him.“I found them at the border,” Bumblestripe

reported. “They want to speak with Bramblestar.”But Alderheart wasn’t listening to the gray tabby

tom. “Why didn’t you bring Twigpaw?”Disappointment jabbed his belly.

“She’s busy with her training,” Hawkwingexplained.

“Sandynose is her mentor,” Violetpaw told him

happily.“She’s still an apprentice?” Alderheart stared at

the SkyClan deputy. “But she passed her assessment.”“Her ThunderClan assessment,” Hawkwing

meowed pointedly. “Leafstar thinks Twigpaw andVioletpaw”—he glanced fondly at Violetpaw beforegoing on—“need to learn to hunt and fight like SkyClancats.”

Alderheart’s pelt prickled with irritation. SkyClangot driven from their home and ended up nearlydying. Twigpaw saved them. He glared atHawkwing. She should be training you.

Paw steps sounded behind Alderheart asBramblestar joined them. Molewhisker, Lionblaze,Brackenfur, and Cherryfall crowded behind theThunderClan leader, their ears pricked with curiosity.

Bramblestar dipped his head to Hawkwing. “Whatbrings you here?”

“Leafstar has decided it’s time we sent a patrol tothe gorge to search for our lost Clanmates,”Hawkwing told him. “We were hoping you could sparea few warriors. We could use help finding our wayback, and we know you’ve sent a few patrols there

already. We hoped you’d know the way.”Bramblestar sat down. “Some of us know the

route,” he mewed thoughtfully. “But I’ve sent enoughparties to the gorge. And with leaf-bare coming, mywarriors should be concentrating on filling the fresh-killpile, not searching for more mouths to feed.”

“It’s because leaf-bare is coming that we want togo,” Hawkwing pressed. “Would you want yourClanmates to be lost and alone during the cruelestmoons?”

Molewhisker padded forward. “It can’t do muchharm to send a patrol with them,” he ventured. “Iknow the way. So do Cherryfall and Sparkpelt.”

Alderheart leaned forward. “And me!”Bramblestar shook his head. “I’m sorry,

Alderheart. Jayfeather needs you here to help himstock his herb store.”

Disappointment dropped like a stone inAlderheart’s belly.

“I could go,” Molewhisker volunteered.Alderheart looked at the brown-and-cream tom,

puzzled. Why was he so keen to help a Clan that hehadn’t even wanted around half a moon ago?

“It would be an honor to show them the way to thegorge.” Molewhisker dipped his head, glancing atCherryfall.

Alderheart bristled. Was Molewhisker hoping thatif he showed the SkyClan cats the route to the gorge,they might go back for good?

“Very well.” Bramblestar’s mew cut intoAlderheart’s thoughts. “SkyClan would be stronger if itcould find its lost Clanmates, and a strong Clan is agood ally.” He nodded to Hawkwing. “I will send aThunderClan cat to guide your patrol. Just let me knowwhen you are leaving, and my cats will be ready.”

“Thank you.” Hawkwing dipped his headgraciously.

Violetpaw’s eyes shone. “Thanks,” she mewedhappily. She glanced at Hawkwing. “Let’s go back andtell Leafstar.”

Hawkwing headed for the entrance.“Say hi to Twigpaw from me!” Alderheart called

after them.“We will!” Violetpaw and Hawkwing chimed

together.Alderheart watched them disappear through the

thorn tunnel. Violetpaw and her father seemed soclose. He hoped Twigpaw’s bond with her father wasjust as strong. And yet, if it was, why wasn’t she herewith them? I’m just worrying. He pushed the thoughtaway and tried to imagine her practicing huntingtechniques while Sandynose gave her orders. Uneasepricked his belly. Twigpaw was such an independentcat. She’d done more than enough to earn her warriorname. Could she really be happy being a SkyClanapprentice?

Alderheart leaned over the rim of the hollow,straining to see along the path. The stream shimmeredin the chilly moonlight, but there was no sign ofMothwing and Willowshine.

“Are they coming?” Leafpool called from besidethe Moonpool.

“It doesn’t look like it,” he mewed back,disappointed.

Jayfeather shifted impatiently beside the pool.“Let’s not waste any more time waiting for them.They’ve clearly decided to stay away.”

“They were probably ordered to stay away,”Kestrelflight meowed. “That’s what Onestar did to me

when he cut ties with the Clans.”Alderheart tore his gaze from the path to the

hollow and headed toward the pool. The smooth stonefelt so cold beneath his paws that he could hardly feelthe dimples made from countless moons of paw steps.

Kestrelflight was looking at the medicine catsapologetically. “You know I wanted to come whenWindClan closed the borders, right?”

Leafpool blinked at him sympathetically. “Ofcourse.”

Puddleshine shifted his paws. “Did StarClan sharedreams with you when you couldn’t come here?”

Kestrelflight looked at his paws. “No,” headmitted. “I think they were angry at me for stayingaway. But I had to stay with my Clan, didn’t I?” Heglanced at the others.

“Of course you did,” Leafpool agreed.“Let’s stop worrying about StarClan and start

sharing with them,” Jayfeather snapped. “I’m cold.”The clear night sky sparkled overhead. A cool

breeze whipped around the hollow, sending ripplesacross the Moonpool.

As Alderheart stopped beside Leafpool,

Puddleshine cleared his throat. “There’s something weneed to discuss first,” he meowed.

Kestrelflight pricked his ears.Alderheart leaned closer, wondering what was

making the ShadowClan medicine cat look so worried.“It’s SkyClan,” Puddleshine told them. “They have

no medicine cat. A few days ago, I was called out tohelp them.”

“Tinycloud?” Anxiety flashed beneath Alderheart’spelt.

Puddleshine shook his head. “A branch fell onFinpaw’s tail. I had to cut him free.”

“Cut him free?” Leafpool looked shocked. “Is heokay?”

“He will be,” Puddleshine told her. “I’ve beenvisiting the SkyClan camp daily and dressing thewound. I managed to make a clean cut, and there’s noinfection.”

“You did well.” Leafpool looked proud of her ex-apprentice.

“I did my best, and StarClan guided my paws,”Puddleshine mewed modestly. “But it’s dangerous forthem not to have their own medicine cat, and I don’t

have time to check on them every day. Tinycloud’s kitsare very overdue. A medicine cat should be in thecamp. Her kitting will be hard.”

Jayfeather swished his tail over the stone. “One ofus will have to stay with them, like we did with you”—he nodded toward Puddleshine—“when ShadowClanhad no medicine cat. Do any of SkyClan’s apprenticesseem able to communicate with StarClan?”

“Well . . . I’m not sure. Twigpaw did want to be amedicine cat once,” Alderheart mewed wistfully.

“Hanging around the medicine den getting underother cats’ paws isn’t the same as being a medicinecat,” Jayfeather mewed sharply.

Leafpool ignored him. “SkyClan is planning to senda patrol to the gorge to look for lost Clanmates,” shetold them. “Perhaps they’ll find a Clanmate who’s gotsome training in herbs.”

Puddleshine still looked worried. “They needsomeone now. Tinycloud’s kits will be at risk if theyaren’t born soon.”

“I’ll go.” Alderheart realized with a rush that if hewent to SkyClan, he’d see Twigpaw again. He’d beable to see how she was settling into her new home.

“Don’t be mouse-brained,” Jayfeather mewedimpatiently. “Bramblestar just told you that you have tostay in camp to help me with my herb store.”

Alderheart glared at the blind medicine cat. Whydid his hearing have to be so sharp?

“Besides,” Jayfeather went on, “Leafpool trainedShadowClan’s medicine cat. She’s used to workingwith other Clans. She should go.”

Leafpool dipped her head. “I’d be happy to do it.”Frustration tightened Alderheart’s belly. Why did it

seem like everyone was trying to stop him from seeingTwigpaw? He’d rescued her. He’d watched her growup. Surely he had some right to see how she wasdoing?

Kestrelflight moved closer to the water. “Let’sbegin.” The others followed his lead, crouching closeto the edge.

Still upset, Alderheart hunched beside Leafpooland stretched his head forward. Closing his eyes, hetouched his nose to the pool.

The ground under him seemed to drop away. Hefelt the familiar falling sensation in his belly and relaxedinto it, let himself swirl down as countless stars rushed

to meet him. Then, suddenly, he felt grass beneath hispaws. Sunshine warmed his pelt and he opened hiseyes to see the sunny meadows of StarClan’s huntinggrounds. He was surprised to see the other medicinecats lined beside him. They sat up, blinking at oneanother in the sunlight. Alderheart tensed. A sharedvision! It must be important.

“Where are they?” Puddleshine whispered,glancing around. The hilltop where they stood wasdeserted.

In the distance, Alderheart could see cats stalking,stretching in the sunshine, or gathered in groups.

Leafpool got to her paws. “Let’s go to them.”“There is no need.” A deep mew took Alderheart

by surprise. He recognized it and turned.Firestar was padding toward them, his star-

specked fur sparkling even in the bright daylight.Others followed him, and Alderheart stretched to seewhich StarClan cats had come to greet them. Herecognized the lithe shapes of WindClan cats, the lighttread of ShadowClan warriors, and the thick, glossypelts of RiverClan cats. ThunderClan cats were amongthem, as sleek and tough-looking as they had been in

life. The cats he did not recognize must, he guessed, beSkyClan’s ancestors. He saw Purdy and broke into apurr. He hoped he knew how much he was missed.

“Where are Willowshine and Mothwing?” A largeRiverClan tom with a twisted jaw slid in front ofFirestar and scanned the medicine cats with dismay.Crookedstar? Alderheart guessed it was RiverClan’sold leader.

Leafpool dipped her head to him. “They would behere if they could, I’m sure,” she mewedapologetically.

Crookedstar glanced at Firestar. “It is worse thanwe thought.”

Firestar nodded. “You must bring RiverClan backto the Clans,” he told Leafpool.

Leafpool exchanged an anxious look withKestrelflight.

Kestrelflight shrugged. “Once a leader has madeup her mind, it is hard even for a medicine cat tochange it.” He looked at Firestar. “They will comeback in their own time, just as we did.”

Firestar’s emerald gaze was dark with worry.“There may not be time for that.”

Before he could explain, Leafpool gasped. Aslender black she-cat was staring at her. “Hollyleaf!”

Alderheart knew of Leafpool’s daughter; the Clantold vague stories of how they thought she’d died in atunnel, though her body was never found. Jayfeatherand Lionblaze hardly spoke of their dead littermate,and when they did, there was a strange tension in theirwords. But there was no tension in Leafpool. Shegazed on her kit, her eyes brimming with affection.

Hollyleaf blinked lovingly at her mother. Thereseemed a curious calm about the black warrior as shepadded slowly forward. She reached Leafpool andthey touched cheeks with such gentle solemnity thatAlderheart felt his throat tighten.

“Are you happy here?” Alderheart heard Leafpoolwhisper.

“I am at peace,” Hollyleaf answered.Kestrelflight’s mew snatched Alderheart’s

attention away. “Onestar.” The WindClan medicine catdipped his head low as he caught sight of his leader. “Itis good to see you.”

“And you.” Onestar lifted his head. He looked sodifferent from the thin, anxious cat Alderheart had

seen last. He was young and strong again, starlightshowing in his eyes.

As Kestrelflight threaded his way among hisWindClan ancestors, Firestar sat down. His gaze wasplacid but his tail-tip flicked impatiently, as though hewas resigned to the greetings that must be made, butanxious to speak. What did he want to say?

Puddleshine touched noses with ShadowClan cats.“Kinkfur! How are you?”

Kinkfur shook out her long gray fur. “It’s good tobe free of aches and pains at last.”

Beside her, Crowfrost looked healthy, his black-and-white pelt sleek. Alderheart’s breath quickened.Which other ShadowClan cats were here? WasNeedletail among them? He scanned the crowdhopefully, looking for her silver pelt. But he couldn’tsee her. There was no sign of any of ShadowClan’smissing Clanmates, either. Were they still alive, orwere they still finding their way to StarClan?

Firestar got to his paws and padded to the hilltop.“I realize it is good to see old friends,” he called. “Butwe have words to share.” As he spoke, a small, soft-furred, silver-gray tabby joined him.

Echosong! Alderheart recognized SkyClan’s deadmedicine cat from his visions. He pushed his way tothe front of the gathered cats. Firestar was eyeingthem impatiently, clearly waiting to speak. Leafpooland Jayfeather joined Alderheart, Kestrelflight andPuddleshine at their side.

Firestar went on. “We are glad you have maderoom beside the lake for SkyClan.”

Delight surged in Alderheart’s belly. He’d beenright. SkyClan was meant to stay beside the otherClans.

Firestar turned to Echosong, dipping his headrespectfully.

She blinked at him and turned to the medicine cats.“SkyClan is where it belongs, but there are stillchallenges ahead for all the Clans. What you decidenow will change your path forever. Remember onlythis.” She paused, her green eyes grave. “The darksky must not herald a storm.”

Alderheart’s fur lifted along his spine. The darksky must not herald a storm. Despite the warmsunshine, he felt a chill pierce his pelt and shivered ather words. What did she mean? He looked at

Jayfeather, hoping to see understanding in his bluegaze. But the ThunderClan medicine cat was fadingbefore his eyes. All around him the grass and sky andcats were dissolving into a shimmering haze. He felthimself fall, his heart rushing into his mouth asdarkness engulfed him.

The smooth cold stone of the Moonpool hollowshocked his paws. He opened his eyes. The Moonpoolseemed to shiver. The reflected stars glimmered on itssurface. “What did Echosong mean?”

The other medicine cats sat up. They looked ateach other, puzzled.

“Another prophecy.” Jayfeather got to his pawsand flicked his tail irritably. “Let’s not waste time tryingto make sense of it here. We’ll pass it on to our leadersand let them decide what must be done.”

“No!” Alderheart stiffened. “We must try tounderstand. If it was left to our leaders, we neverwould have found SkyClan.”

Leafpool blinked at him. “We need to think about it,certainly. And discuss it once we’ve thought. Perhapsthere will be another sign to guide us. But it won’tcome tonight.”

The others nodded in agreement. There wasnothing Alderheart could do but follow them towardthe rim of the hollow, anxiety worming beneath his pelt.He had been hoping to see Needletail, but there hadbeen no hint of her. If she wasn’t with StarClan, wherewas she? Overhead, the half-moon shone silently whilethe wind moaned around the hollow.

I hope she is at peace, wherever she is.

CHAPTER 6

Violetpaw wrinkled her nose. She could still feel thebitterness of the traveling herbs on her tongue. Sheswiped it around her lips, hoping to get rid of the taste.

Hawkwing’s whiskers twitched. “You didn’t likethe herbs?”

“No.” Violetpaw shuddered.They were standing near the camp entrance,

waiting to leave. Blossomheart and Rabbitleap,Violetpaw’s mentor, crouched beside them, sharing amouse while Molewhisker paced beside the stream.

Rabbitleap looked up. “Have you eaten?” he askedVioletpaw.

“Only the traveling herbs.” Violetpaw had been toonervous to eat anything else. She’d never traveled sofar beyond Clan territory before.

“It’s a long journey,” Rabbitleap reminded her. “Idon’t know when we’ll be able to stop and hunt.”

“The traveling herbs will stop her getting hungryfor a while.” Hawkwing said, watching the nursery.Tinycloud’s kitting had started before dawn. Leafpool

was with her.The ThunderClan medicine cat had arrived two

days ago, just after half-moon. She had been tending toFinpaw, who was recovering from his accident but wasstill confined to his nest. The stock of herbs thatLeafpool had brought with her had been safely storedin the hollow beneath the cedar tree, and she’d madeher nest there. She’d moved Finpaw there too, so shecould watch over him. Molewhisker had joined her inthe SkyClan camp yesterday after Macgyver had goneto fetch him from ThunderClan.

Now it was nearly time to leave for the gorge, andVioletpaw was so nervous that she felt as though frogswere jumping inside her belly. She wished Twigpawwere coming with them, but Twigpaw had asked tostay behind to help finish building the new camp.Violetpaw could see her tail now, sticking out frombeneath the juniper bush where she was hollowing outthe space for the apprentices’ den.

“How far is it to the gorge?” Violetpaw askedHawkwing, trying not to imagine the dogs and Twolegsand unfamiliar land that lay between here and there.

Molewhisker answered. “It may take a quarter

moon.” Blue sky showed through the branches abovethe camp. “But the weather is with us.”

Blossomheart swallowed the last of her share ofthe mouse and sat up. “Leaf-fall weather can bechangeable.” She licked her paw and ran it over herface.

“A little rain won’t hurt us,” Hawkwing meowed.As he spoke, Leafpool’s face appeared at the

nursery entrance. She slid out, blinking happily atSparrowpelt, who was pacing anxiously outside.Leafstar was with him, and both cats lifted their tailsexcitedly as Leafpool shared the news.

“You have three newborn kits,” the medicine catannounced happily. “A tom and two she-kits.” Shedipped her head to Sparrowpelt. “You can go and seethem if you like.”

“Thank you!” Purring loudly, the brown tabby tomsqueezed through the entrance.

“Is Tinycloud okay?” Leafstar asked when he’dgone.

“She’s tired,” Leafpool told her. “But she did fine.Perhaps Sparrowpelt could sleep in the nursery for afew days to keep her company? A new litter can be

daunting.”“Of course.” Leafstar glanced toward the party

preparing to leave.As Leafpool turned back toward the nursery, the

SkyClan leader headed toward her deputy. “MayStarClan guide your paws,” she meowed.

Hawkwing flicked his tail. “With Molewhisker’shelp.”

Leafstar blinked at the ThunderClan tom. “Are yousure you know the way?”

He nodded.Violetpaw looked around the camp. Even though

SkyClan had been here only a short while, it felt likehome. She would miss the sound of the stream and theswishing branches of the pine forest.

Hawkwing seemed to sense her unease. He swepthis tail along her spine. “We’ll be home soon, hopefullywith some more of our Clanmates.” He purred. “Thereare so many cats I want you to meet.”

Leafstar caught his eye. “I hope you find them.”“We will find as many as we can,” Hawkwing

promised. “Soon we will be a bustling Clan again.”Wistfully, Leafstar held his gaze. “We will never be

as we once were.”The juniper bush shivered as Twigpaw scrambled

from underneath. She raced across the camp, leapingthe stream and stopping beside her sister. “Are youleaving now?” She rubbed her muzzle alongVioletpaw’s jaw.

Violetpaw pressed against her. “I wish you werecoming with me.”

“I’ll be here when you get back.” Twigpaw blinkedat her brightly. “You’re going to have such an excitingtime.”

Violetpaw shifted her paws nervously. “I hope so.”“You will!” Twigpaw insisted. “Some cats never

get to leave the forest. You’ll remember this journeyforever, and you’ll always be known as one of the catswho helped reunite SkyClan.”

Twigpaw was always so positive. SometimesVioletpaw wished she were more like her. But thenshe glanced at Hawkwing; being more like Twigpawwould mean being less like him, and she liked beinglike Hawkwing. One day she’d be as brave as him too.

“We should leave,” Molewhisker meowed,glancing at the sky once more. “I’d like to get to the

Thunderpath before sunhigh.”The Thunderpath? Violetpaw swallowed.Rabbitleap stretched and padded toward the

entrance. Blossomheart followed.“Good luck!” Leafstar called as Molewhisker

headed after them.Hawkwing touched his nose to Twigpaw’s head.

“Take care of SkyClan while we’re away.”Leafstar purred. “I’m sure she will.”Twigpaw turned to Violetpaw, her gaze suddenly

dark. “You’ll be careful, won’t you?”“Of course.” Violetpaw touched Twigpaw’s

muzzle with her own. She breathed in the soothingscent of her sister, and then padded after Hawkwingas he followed Rabbitleap, Blossomheart, andMolewhisker out of camp.

As her paws scuffed the needle-strewn forestfloor, the frogs in her belly grew still. Suddenly she feltready for the journey ahead. We’re going to find ourlost Clanmates.

Two sunrises later, as the sun reached its peak inthe wide, blue sky, Violetpaw smelled the acrid scentof another Thunderpath. They’d crossed many, but the

smell of this one was stronger. The sound of growlingstirred her ear fur. It came from beyond the trees, asthough a pack of huge dogs were arguing over prey.She glanced at her father, wondering if they shouldstop, but he kept walking. Molewhisker too. Rabbitleapand Blossomheart glanced at each other.

She followed them to the edge of the forest andpadded out onto grass. Blinking in the bright sunshine,she saw a wide verge sloping toward a Thunderpath.This one was much wider than the ones they hadcrossed already, and instead of being deserted as thosehad been, it had monsters roaring along it in bothdirections, with barely a gap between them.

Violetpaw stopped, her heart skipping a beat. Shethought of Pebbleshine with a sickening jolt. Hermother had been killed on a Thunderpath. “We can’tcross that!”

Hawkwing turned and paused. His eyes wereround and dark. “We have to.”

Molewhisker padded back to Violetpaw. “This isthe most dangerous Thunderpath we’ll have to cross,”he promised. “Once we’ve crossed it, we’ll be safe.”

Will we? Violetpaw tried to stop herself from

trembling. On the other side, home would seem beyondreach.

Rabbitleap met Violetpaw’s gaze. “You are fastand smart. I’ve seen you hunt and I’ve watched youpractice battle moves. You have all the skills you needto make this crossing.”

“But how will we ever get back?” Violetpawsuddenly felt very small.

“If we can cross it once, then we can cross itagain,” Hawkwing told her.

“You can do this.” Rabbitleap nudged her gentlyforward.

Violetpaw dug her claws into the grass.“Pebbleshine was killed on a Thunderpath like this,”she croaked.

Hawkwing looked at her, grief sharpening his gaze.“She was unlucky,” he meowed thickly. “But I’m withyou. I won’t let the same thing happen to you.”

Reluctantly, Violetpaw began to pad toward theThunderpath. Every hair in her pelt told her to retreat,but she forced herself on, reassured as Molewhiskerand her Clanmates fell in beside her. Together theyapproached the edge.

Monster after monster hurtled past. Sour airblasted her face. Grit sprayed her paws.

Molewhisker raised his voice. “Wait for a bigenough gap.”

Violetpaw wondered if a gap would ever come.The monsters chased after one another like foxeschasing rabbits.

“When I say go”—Hawkwing lifted his chin—“runas fast as you can.”

Blossomheart and Rabbitleap nodded. Violetpawstared at her father, her mouth dry with terror. A hugemonster thundered past. The hot wind from its flanksnearly knocked her off her paws. She clung to thefilthy grass and waited, her heart pounding in her earsas the monsters streamed past.

At last, a gap appeared. To one side, a distantgreen monster trundled toward them, spattered withmud. To the other, the Thunderpath curved toward anempty rise. The way between was clear.

“Run!” Hawkwing’s yowl made Violetpaw jump.Blossomheart shot forward, Rabbitleap at her heels.Molewhisker raced past them, his tail skimming thestone. Hawkwing shoved Violetpaw forward. “Hurry!”

She ran, eyes narrowed, terror sparking in herbelly. The hot stone burned her pads. The greenmonster rolled closer, as though in no hurry. The risewas still clear. We’re going to make it!

As exhilaration surged beneath Violetpaw’s pelt, ahowl rose behind the green monster. A smaller monsterhad edged out and was hurtling toward her. It let out adesperate wail, as though running for its life. Terrorchoked Violetpaw’s thoughts. Her paws froze beneathher, and she skidded to a halt. Ahead of her,Molewhisker, Hawkwing, Rabbitleap, andBlossomheart dived onto the safety of the greenembankment.

Rooted by panic, Violetpaw stared at the smallmonster. It roared past the green one, neck and neckwith it now. In a moment it would pass it and plowstraight over Violetpaw. She knew she should move,but she was frozen with terror. StarClan, help me!

The small monster’s paws squealed on the stoneas the Twoleg inside stared in horror at Violetpaw. Themonster let out a wail, as though warning her to move.It swerved suddenly, the Twoleg’s eyes bulging as itdived in front of the green monster, veering so close

that its flank caught the green monster’s nose.Violetpaw stared, as though watching a nightmarefrom a long way away. Hypnotized, she heard thethump of their thick hides collide. The small monsterspun out across the Thunderpath and came to ajuddering halt on the far side.

Teeth grabbed her scruff, and Hawkwing’s fear-scent bathed her as her paws half lifted from thestone. With a grunt, her father dragged her clear. Hedropped her on the embankment beside her Clanmates.Blinking dumbly, she gazed at them.

“What in StarClan were you doing!” Hawkwingglared at her. “You just stood there while it—” Hismew stopped short. Grief glittered in his gaze. Hethrust his muzzle against her neck, his breath hot andquick. “You could have been killed.”

Stiff with shock, Violetpaw looked back at thesmall monster, silent now on the far side of theThunderpath. The big green monster had stopped anda Twoleg had jumped out. It ran to the small monster,where another Twoleg had climbed free. The Twolegsyelped at each other for a few moments, and then theTwoleg from the small monster pointed at Violetpaw.

As its gaze fixed on her, panic flashed fresh inside her.“Run!” she shrieked.She pelted away from the Thunderpath, glancing

behind to see the others chasing after her. She keptrunning, slithering beneath a fence and tearing over awide stretch of earth, until the sounds of theThunderpath dimmed behind her.

She stopped, her lungs burning. Hawkwing slowedto a halt beside her, and Molewhisker, Rabbitleap, andBlossomheart pulled up a few tail-lengths ahead. Theirflanks heaved as they stared at one another with wide,round eyes.

“I’m sorry,” Violetpaw puffed. Her fur was still onend. “I froze.”

“You’re safe now,” Rabbitleap grunted betweenbreaths. “That’s all that matters.”

“I didn’t know monsters attacked each other!”Blossomheart was trembling. “Why do Twolegs gonear them?”

“Who knows why Twolegs do anything.”Molewhisker shook out his fur. “Let’s go. We’ve stillgot a long way to travel.”

Hawkwing looked at Violetpaw, concern

shadowing his eyes. “Are you okay?”She nodded, swallowing back fear. “Thanks for

saving me.”“I will always save you if I can.” Hawkwing

blinked at her. “I just wish I had been around to saveyour mother.”

Violetpaw was in the starlit woods again. Was itanother dream?

Needletail’s mew sounded from the darkness.“You made your choice.”

Violetpaw strained to see her friend’s pelt betweenthe trees. “Wait! Please wait! I can’t lose you.”

Silver flashed in the shadows, weaving betweenthe black trunks. Once more Violetpaw sawNeedletail’s green gaze flash at her accusingly.

“I thought you wanted to lose me.”Violetpaw jerked awake, her heart twisting with

grief. She blinked in the darkness of the crevice wherethe patrol had sheltered for the night. Her Clanmates,plus Molewhisker, were curled around her, squashedinto the narrow gap between two boulders, shelteredfrom the chilly wind.

Her heart was thumping hard. She needed fresh

air and to walk off the anxiety itching beneath her pelt.Hardly breathing, she got to her paws and delicatelypicked her way around the sleeping cats. Molewhiskerstretched out his legs, pushing against Rabbitleap, whosnorted, wriggled, and fell still as Hawkwing snoredsoftly beside him. At the entrance, Violetpaw hoppedout into the fresh wind.

Outside, the moon glowed through thin cloud. Theboulders opened onto a sandy clearing in an oak forest.They’d trekked through it most of the afternoon,stopping to hunt and then rest once the sun began toset behind the trees. Violetpaw drew in a deep breathof air, letting it soothe her. A light breeze made theleaves rattle overhead. Somewhere in the distance, afox screeched. An owl answered as if telling it to bequiet.

Violetpaw padded cautiously between the trees. Ifshe couldn’t sleep, she might as well hunt. HerClanmates would be pleased to wake to fresh-kill.Opening her mouth, she tasted the air. Among themusty scents of fallen leaves, she smelled mouse.

Violetpaw slowed, scanning the shadows formovement. Something glowed between the trees. She

blinked, wondering if she was imagining the hazy lightahead, and padded closer. Curiosity pricked her pelt.Was it a patch of moonlight on the forest floor? But themoon was hidden, and starlight wouldn’t be strongenough to make such a bright pool. She widened hereyes, straining to see.

A familiar scent touched her nose. Needletail? Asshe neared the glow, she saw the shape of a cat. Sherecognized it at once. It was Needletail! Am I stilldreaming? She curled her claws into the fallen leaves.They crunched. The breeze in her fur felt real. I amawake! She was sure of it.

She hurried toward Needletail. Could theShadowClan warrior have survived Darktail’s attemptto kill her? I didn’t see her die. All she rememberedfrom when she fled was that the rogues had heavilyoutnumbered Needletail. “What are you doing here?”

Needletail didn’t answer. She only stared. Her peltlooked as though she were lit from inside.

“What happened to you?” Violetpaw’s thoughtswhirled. “Are you dead?”

Needletail snorted. “Of course I’m dead. Do youthink Darktail had a change of heart after you got

away?”“But there are no stars in your pelt. . . .”

Violetpaw’s mew trailed away. Wasn’t Needletail withStarClan? Her belly tightened. Had she come from theDark Forest? She swallowed. The young warrior hadbetrayed her Clan, but StarClan must have known thatit was a mistake. They must have seen her give herlife to save her Clanmate. She didn’t deserve to go tothe Dark Forest.

Needletail turned and began to walk away.Violetpaw followed. “Am I dreaming you?”Needletail didn’t answer. She kept walking, the

pale light from her fur showing the way between thetrees.

“Where are you going?” Violetpaw glanced aroundas Needletail led her deeper into the forest. She wasaware of her sleeping Clanmates, farther behind herwith each step. “Do you want me to come with you?”

Violetpaw’s mew echoed through the forest. Thefox screeched again. Movement caught her eye andshe looked up. An owl glided silently between thetrees. Violetpaw’s heart quickened.

“Needletail!” Violetpaw stopped. Where was

Needletail going? Why was she so silent? But as shespoke, the faint light disappeared. Needletail was gone.

Violetpaw stiffened, suddenly aware that she wasalone in a strange forest.

She turned back, breathing rapidly. What if the owldecided she was prey? What if the fox picked up herscent? She had to get back to her Clanmates.

Why did you lead me so far away, Needletail?She shivered. Had her friend wanted to separate herfrom Hawkwing and the others? Is she angry withme? She sped up, hurrying back along the path she hadcome. Quickly she lost her scent trail. Had she gonethe wrong way? She looked around. The trees lookedthe same in the dark. The strange scents of theunfamiliar forest confused her. What if she washeading farther away from the cleft in the rock? Shefroze, unsure what to do. I should stay here, shedecided. When dawn comes it will be easier to findmy way back.

She looked around for cover. A hollow betweenarching tree trunks would give her shelter for the night.She fluffed out her fur, determined not to be afraid. Ican hunt and I can fight, she told herself. I will be

safe until dawn.Paw steps made her freeze. Leaves crunched

nearby. Something was heading her way. Sheunsheathed her claws, blood thumping in her ears.

“Violetpaw?”She recognized her father’s mew. Relief washed

her pelt like a cool breeze.“Hawkwing.” She raced toward the sound, joy

bursting in her chest as she saw his familiar pelt in thestarlight.

“What are you doing out here?” He hurried tomeet her.

“I couldn’t sleep,” she told him. “So I thought I’dhunt. But I got lost.” She could never tell him aboutNeedletail. She didn’t want to tell him about how herfriend died, and she didn’t know if she could explainwhat had just happened.

“We’re not far from the boulders,” Hawkwingreassured her. “Let’s go back. You should get somemore sleep. We’ve got a lot of traveling to dotomorrow.”

Violetpaw nodded and let him lead her between thetrees, but she couldn’t resist glancing over her

shoulder. Where did you go, Needletail? Anotherthought pricked her mind. And why did you come?Did Needletail want something? And, if she did, whatcould it be?

CHAPTER 7

Outside the camp wall, Twigpaw pulled up anotherfern frond. Earth showered her paws as she shook outthe roots and laid it on the pile beside her. She wouldsoon have enough to line every nest in the apprentices’den. She shivered and fluffed out her fur. The clearsky had brought colder weather. She hoped Violetpawand Hawkwing had found somewhere sheltered tospend the night.

At least they would come home to cozy dens. Thejuniper bush was rainproof at last, and Twigpaw hadhelped Fallowfern and Sandynose weave the bramblewalls of the warriors’ den so thickly that no draft couldget through. While Fallowfern and Sandynose hadturned their attention to the clump of ferns that wouldbecome the elders’ den, Twigpaw had begun to buildnests for Violetpaw, Reedpaw, Dewpaw, and herself.She hadn’t started Finpaw’s nest yet. He was stillrecovering in the medicine den.

Leafpool had told her that Finpaw was healing wellbut his spirits were low. Plumwillow had sat with him

until he’d sent her away, and now he refused to haveany visitors. Twigpaw had asked to see him, butLeafpool told her that he probably needed time tocome to terms with losing part of his tail.

Paw steps pattered behind her. “Look at all themoss I’ve collected.” Dewpaw dumped a heap besideher. “Reedpaw’s followed the stream to find more. Weare going to have the softest nests in the whole camp.”

“Perhaps we should take some to Finpaw,”Twigpaw suggested.

Dewpaw rolled his eyes. “Don’t make him toocomfortable or he’ll never move out of the medicineden.”

“He doesn’t want to be there,” Twigpaw meweddefensively.

“Really?” Dewpaw sniffed. “I got the idea thathe’s sort of enjoying feeling sorry for himself.”

Dewpaw sounded unsympathetic, but Twigpawcould see worry in the gray tom’s eyes. “Did he refuseto see you again today?” she asked gently.

“Yes.” Dewpaw sat down heavily. “I know it’sterrible that he lost part of his tail. I don’t know howI’d feel in the same situation. But he still has half of it,

and being sad won’t help.”“Leafpool says he needs time.”“I need my brother.” Dewpaw looked

despondently at the moss he’d gathered. “We shouldbe sharing a den. It took us so long to becomeapprentices—we were so excited when it finallyhappened.” He glanced beseechingly at Twigpaw.“Would you go and see him?”

Twigpaw looked away, her pelt suddenly hot. “Hewon’t want to see me either.”

“Of course he will,” Dewpaw mewed eagerly. “Ifit weren’t for you, he might have died. You pulled himclear of the branch.”

“Not entirely clear,” Twigpaw mewed guilty.“Clear enough.” Dewpaw leaned closer. “He

won’t be able to send you away.”“You mean he has to see me to be polite.”“Exactly.” Dewpaw leaned back on his haunches.

“I bet you can cheer him up.”Twigpaw pulled up another fern, avoiding

Dewpaw’s gaze. “Do you think so?” she asked shyly.Dewpaw narrowed his eyes. “You like him, don’t

you?”

“No!” Twigpaw shriveled inside her pelt. “He’sjust a friend, that’s all.”

“We’re friends.” Dewpaw poked her. “But your furdoesn’t twitch when you talk about me.”

Twigpaw poked him back. “My fur does nottwitch!”

Dewpaw changed the subject. “I hope some ofthose are for my nest.” He nodded at the pile of ferns.

“Of course.” Twigpaw blinked at him gratefully.She didn’t like being teased about Finpaw. “Let’s takethem into the den, then I’ll see if Finpaw will let mevisit.”

“Great.” Dewpaw got to his paws. “By the timeyou return from the medicine den, I’ll have our nestsfinished. We can start on Finpaw’s nest. When hemoves in and Violetpaw gets back, it’ll be like a realapprentices’ den. Especially if they bring back moreSkyClan cats.” He paused. “Perhaps we should makeextra nests, just in case they find some apprentices.”He grabbed his pile of moss between his jaws andheaded toward the camp entrance.

Twigpaw bundled the fern fronds together andbegan to drag them after him. Her thoughts wandered.

Dewpaw, Reedpaw, and Finpaw had been so lucky,growing up together. If only ShadowClan had letVioletpaw stay in ThunderClan. Perhaps she wouldhave ended up more like me. Twigpaw pushed thethought away. Sighing, she heaved the fronds to theentrance of the juniper bush.

“Twigpaw!” Dewpaw called from inside.“Reedpaw’s back.”

Reedpaw poked her head out of the den. “I foundso much moss!” Her eyes shone. “It’s a bit damp, butit will dry out soon.”

Lost in thought, Twigpaw stared blankly at thesmall tabby she-cat. Would the journey to the gorgemake Hawkwing and Violetpaw even closer?

Dewpaw pushed his way out of the den and beganto rummage through Twigpaw’s pile of ferns. “Perhapswe should spread out the moss in the sunshine so it candry while we’re weaving these.” He paused as he sawTwigpaw’s face. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.” She shook out her fur. She was beingdumb. So what if Hawkwing and Violetpaw wereclose? SkyClan was a great home. She was living withkin at last. And Dewpaw was great. Reedpaw was

friendly. And there was Finpaw. She glanced towardthe medicine den, her heart quickening. “I’ll go and seehim now,” she told Dewpaw.

“Say hi from me.”As Dewpaw disappeared back inside the juniper

bush, Twigpaw marched to the hollow beneath thecedar and stopped outside. “Leafpool?”

No cat replied. Twigpaw tasted the air. Leafpool’sscent was stale. She must be out gathering herbs orhunting. “Finpaw?” She mewed softly through thelichen, which Leafpool had draped over the entrance.

Ferns rustled inside.“Are you awake?” she called softly.“I am now.” Finpaw sounded grumpy.“Can I come in?”“I don’t want any visitors.”Twigpaw sniffed. She’d hung out with Alderheart

long enough to know that no cat was cured byloneliness. “I’m coming in anyway.” She pushedthough the lichen.

Finpaw lay in his nest, his stunted tail sticking overthe edge. It was wrapped in moss and cobweb, andsmelled of marigold. Twigpaw was relieved to see how

much of it was left. She blinked at Finpaw. His fur wassleek and his nose and ears were clean. Apart from hisinjured tail and the shadows in his eyes, he looked fine.“You look well.”

Finpaw avoided her gaze. “I’m half a tail awayfrom being well.”

Twigpaw sat beside him, her chest aching withsympathy. But she kept any trace of pity from hervoice. “In ThunderClan, we had a cat with a brokenspine. She’s the most cheerful cat in the Clan.”

“Good for her,” Finpaw muttered.“What do you need a whole tail for anyway?”

Twigpaw persisted.“Um . . . to balance?” Finpaw snapped.“Only mouse-brains need a tail to help them

balance.”“Then I must be a mouse-brain.”“You really don’t want visitors, do you?” Twigpaw

swallowed back frustration. “I hope you’re not thismean to Leafpool.”

Finpaw didn’t answer.Twigpaw looked at the young tom, his face turned

away. She wanted to cheer him up. She’d been

thinking about him ever since his accident. It washeartbreaking to see that his spirit had been as crushedas his tail. He’d been so cheerful and open. Now hewas as snarly as a fox. “If only I’d been able to pullyou clear,” she mewed without thinking. Sadnessflooded her chest. Perhaps if she’d tugged harderwhen the branch was falling, she could have saved himfrom this.

Finpaw blinked at her, alarmed. “You’re notsupposed to be sad,” he mewed urgently.

Twigpaw was confused. “Why not?”Finpaw raised himself up on his front paws.

“Because you’re never sad. That’s why I like you.”Twigpaw didn’t know what to say. She looked at

her paws. “Dewpaw says hello. He’s helping me makenests in the apprentices’ den. He wants you to movethere as soon as you can.” She glanced at him shyly. “Iwant you there too. I was the only apprentice inThunderClan. Sharing a den will be fun.”

“Fun?” Finpaw seemed to brighten. “Have youheard Dewpaw snore?”

“He snores?” Twigpaw played along.“He could outsnore a badger.” Finpaw assured her.

“Reedpaw says he could wake a hibernating bear.”“Perhaps I should gather some extra moss,” she

mewed. “To stuff in my ears.”Finpaw’s whiskers twitched with amusement.Twigpaw pricked her ears happily. “You’re going

to be fine.”He glanced at his tail. “Leafpool keeps telling me

that I’m lucky I only lost half of it.”Twigpaw caught his eye. “What happened to the

other half?”“Puddleshine said he was going to bury it.”“Bury it?” Surprise twitched through Twigpaw.Finpaw gave her a mischievous look. “Perhaps we

should find its grave and sit vigil.” There was a purr inhis mew.

“We could mark it with a stone and visit everyleaf-fall to pay our respects.”

“Here lies Finpaw’s tail,” Finpaw mewed solemnly.“It died protecting its Clan.”

“Perhaps it’s in StarClan right now, lying in thesunshine,” Twigpaw joked.

“There must be other tails there. I hope it’s madefriends,” Finpaw mewed.

Twigpaw nudged his shoulder fondly with her nose.“You’ve got bees in your brain.”

“You started it.”As he nudged her back, the lichen swished and

Leafpool padded through the entrance. She blinkedhappily at Twigpaw. “I see you’ve decided to havevisitors after all,” she mewed to Finpaw.

“Twigpaw barged in.” Finpaw mewed.“I promised Dewpaw I’d see how he was.”

Twigpaw didn’t admit how much she’d wanted to seeFinpaw.

“You’ll have to leave in a moment,” Leafpool toldher. “I’m going to dress his wound.”

“Can’t she stay?” Finpaw begged. “If I havesomeone to talk to, it’ll take my mind off it.”

“Does it hurt?” Twigpaw asked.“Kind of,” Finpaw murmured.“Okay,” Leafpool agreed. “I’ll be back in a

moment. I just want to soak these leaves in thestream.” She grabbed a pile of herbs and headed outof the den.

Finpaw shifted in his nest, making himselfcomfortable. “Are you missing Violetpaw and

Hawkwing?”“Yeah.” Twigpaw wrapped her tail over her paws.

“It feels strange being in a new camp without them.Kind of like I’m in the wrong place.”

“I think everyone feels a bit out of place at themoment. But Sandynose says it’ll start to feel likehome soon.” Finpaw’s eyes rounded with curiosity.“Leafpool says that you and Violetpaw were raised bydifferent Clans. I didn’t know that. You seem soclose.”

“We are close,” Twigpaw told him. “And now weget to live together, now that we’ve found Hawkwing.”

“I like Hawkwing.” Finpaw’s gaze grew distant asthough he were thinking. “He’s reassuring.”

“Yeah.”“Sandynose was missing when we were born, so

Hawkwing kind of helped take care of us.”“Sandynose went missing?” Twigpaw hadn’t heard

about this.“We thought we’d never meet our real father. But

we had Hawkwing. He was nice.”Twigpaw blinked at him sympathetically.Finpaw looked thoughtful. “You’re quite like him.”

“Violetpaw’s more like him than me.”“Yes,” Finpaw agreed. “But you and Hawkwing

are more like Clan cats than Violetpaw. Sometimes sheseems uncomfortable in her own fur and unsure ofherself. You have the same confidence as Hawkwing.And you’re brave and loyal like he is. And kind.”

“I am?” She looked at him.“Sure.”As Twigpaw’s fur tingled at the compliment,

Leafpool nosed her way into the den. Wet leavesdripped from her jaws. She draped them over the edgeof the nest, beside Finpaw’s tail. “I’ll get the dressingchanged as quickly as I can.” She promised. “But Ineed to make sure the wound’s clean before I dress itagain.”

“I’ll distract him,” Twigpaw leaned closer toFinpaw, trying not to look at his tail as Leafpool beganto peel away the cobwebs.

Finpaw winced.“What games do kits play in SkyClan?” Twigpaw

asked quickly.“Hide-and-seek, warrior and prey, hide the

beechnut . . .”

“I played those too.” Twigpaw felt pleased that allClan kits were the same, wherever they’d been born.“But in ThunderClan we played hide the pebble. AndVioletpaw probably played hide the pinecone inShadowClan.”

Leafpool moved to her herb store and pulled out along strand of cobweb.

“Did you ever have a chance to play withVioletpaw?” Finpaw asked.

“We played lots before we were separated. Butafterward, we couldn’t.” Twigpaw longed to tell himabout sneaking out of camp with Alderheart to meetNeedletail and Violetpaw, but she was aware ofLeafpool, who was wrapping a fresh dressing aroundFinpaw’s tail. She didn’t want to get Alderheart introuble.

Finpaw shifted in his nest. “When she gets back,we can play hide the pinecone with her and Dewpawand Reedpaw,” Finpaw mewed.

“Aren’t we a bit old?”“Of course not!”As Finpaw purred, Leafpool sat back on her

haunches. “I’ve finished,” she told him.

“Already?” He looked around at his tail, surprised.“That hardly hurt at all.”

“It’s healing well,” Leafpool told him.“And I had good company.” Finpaw blinked

warmly at Twigpaw.She felt heat beneath her pelt, and blinked back

self-consciously.“You’re well enough to start getting some

exercise.” Leafpool brushed the herb scraps awaywith her tail.

Twigpaw’s tail twitched excitedly. “I could showyou the forest! The Sky Oak and the old Twolegnest . . .” As she spoke, she realized that she wasn’t inThunderClan anymore. She didn’t know SkyClanterritory any better than Finpaw did. “Or we couldexplore together,” she corrected herself quickly.

Finpaw’s yellow eyes shone. “That would begreat.”

Leafpool licked green herb pulp from her paw.“You shouldn’t leave camp for a few days,” sheadvised. “Not until your wound has healed properly.”

“That’s okay,” Twigpaw mewed brightly. “There’splenty to do in camp. I think I saw a fish in the stream

yesterday. It was just a small one, but it would be funto catch.”

Leafpool wrinkled her nose. “You sound like aRiverClan cat.”

“We’re not going to eat it,” Twigpaw purred.“We’ll throw it back,” Finpaw agreed.Leafpool shook her head. “You’ll have to catch it

first.”Twigpaw glanced at Finpaw. Her heart seemed to

skip as he held her gaze. She wondered if he couldpossibly be as excited as she was at the thought ofspending time together.

CHAPTER 8

As Alderheart stomped out of camp and headed forthe lake, Jayfeather hurried to catch up with him. “Iknow StarClan’s prophecies are frustrating,” the blindtom mewed. “I’ve had to deal with plenty. But this onewill become clear eventually, just as the others have.”

“Doesn’t it worry you that Bramblestar won’t doanything?” Alderheart glanced at him. “The lastprophecy told us to find SkyClan. We only sent out onepatrol. We’d never have found them if Twigpaw hadn’tdisobeyed Bramblestar and gone out alone. And nowBramblestar wants to ignore this prophecy.”

Actually, what Bramblestar had said was, “If therewere something I could do, then I would. But it wouldbe foolish to act before we fully understand StarClan’smessage.” Alderheart’s pelt prickled with frustration,and he wasn’t sure who he was more upset with:Bramblestar or StarClan. Why did StarClan have to beso obscure?

“Our duty is to share messages from StarClan withour leader,” Jayfeather reminded him now. “And to

advise him. But he is the leader and he must make thedecisions.”

“Even if he’s wrong?” Alderheart’s paws itchedwith anger.

“He’s Clan leader,” Jayfeather meowed. “If hewent into a panic every time some cat came to himwith a worry, he’d spend more time running in circlesthan solving the problems he can solve.”

Alderheart didn’t respond. What was the point?Jayfeather was obviously going to defend Bramblestarwhatever happened. Perhaps Kestrelflight andPuddleshine would have something more helpful to say.The day before, Alderheart and Jayfeather had sentmessengers to each camp to arrange this meeting.

As he broke from the trees, he could see themwaiting on the shore. They stood beside the newSkyClan border, within two tail-lengths of the water,looking toward the forest.

Puddleshine lifted his tail as he caught sight ofAlderheart and Jayfeather.

“They’ve seen us.” Alderheart raced ahead ofJayfeather. He leaped onto the pebbles, stumbling asthey shifted beneath him. “What did Harestar and

Rowanstar say about the prophecy?” He scrambled toa halt in front of them.

Puddleshine eyed him anxiously. “Rowanstar isworried that the dark sky means SkyClan. He’sdecided to concentrate patrols on the SkyClan border.”

Alderheart’s pelt pricked uneasily. “But StarClanwas pleased we made room for SkyClan beside thelake. They can’t be the dark sky!”

Kestrelflight flicked his ears. “Even if they are, theprophecy says that the dark sky mustn’t herald astorm, and extra patrols will mean extra tension.”

Alderheart frowned. “Do you think Rowanstarmight cause the storm StarClan is warning us about?”

Jayfeather reached them. “Rowanstar doesn’thave enough cats to cause a storm. He barely hasenough to cause a mild breeze.” He turned his muzzleto Alderheart. “I thought you’d be pleased that he’staking the prophecy seriously.”

Puddleshine looked puzzled. “Why wouldn’t he?”Alderheart shifted his paws. “Bramblestar doesn’t

seem concerned by the prophecy,” he explained. “Hethinks we should wait and see.”

“Harestar says that we’ve seen nothing but dark

skies in the past few moons,” Kestrelflight meowed.“He fears the prophecy is warning us that the situationmight get worse. He’s stepped up patrols too.”

“More tension,” Puddleshine mewed darkly.“At least they’re doing something.” Alderheart

felt a fresh prickle of irritation with his father.“Yes, and half the Clans are on edge now,”

Jayfeather mewed sarcastically. “I’m sure that willhelp.” He looked a little way up the shore, towardSkyClan’s stretch of forest. “I can’t scent Leafpool.”

“Perhaps we should go into SkyClan’s camp,”Alderheart suggested, “and tell her we’re headingout?”

Jayfeather gave a mew of agreement, and led themedicine cats toward SkyClan’s camp.

Alderheart followed him. “I still don’t understandwhy StarClan would give us a prophecy if they thoughtit wouldn’t help.”

“StarClan doesn’t know everything,” Jayfeathermurmured.

Puddleshine caught up to them. “They must.They’re StarClan!”

“You haven’t known them as long as I have.”

Jayfeather flicked his tail.Kestrelflight seemed lost in his own thoughts. “I

wonder if StarClan has shared the prophecy withMothwing and Willowshine.”

“You said they didn’t share with you when Onestarcut WindClan off from the Clans,” Alderheartreminded him.

Kestrelflight shrugged. “Maybe they blamed mefor not helping enough. The Clans were in crisis then,but things are calmer now.”

Jayfeather grunted. “There’s no point in guessingwhether RiverClan knows about the prophecy. We willfind out when we get there. But if we go to SkyClan toget Leafpool, we can see what Leafstar thinks.”

Alderheart slid into the lead. He knew the route toSkyClan’s camp. He’d carried herbs there forLeafpool, hoping for a chance to speak with Twigpaw.But Twigpaw had been out training with Sandynose.Would he see her this time? He had not spoken to hersince she’d moved to SkyClan. He was eager to knowhow she’d settled into her new home, and secretly hehoped she missed him and ThunderClan a little.

He climbed the short, steep bank from the shore to

the forest and padded between the trees, the othermedicine cats following. He was pleased to be out ofthe wind. His leaf-bare pelt hadn’t grown in yet, andhe felt the chill keenly. He followed the scent line untilhe recognized the place where he’d crossed it withLeafpool. It smelled as though Molewhisker had comethis way too. He wondered how the expedition to thegorge was going, his heart lurching as a thoughtsparked in his mind. What if Twigpaw had gone withVioletpaw and Hawkwing? She’d be away from campwhen they reached it.

Of course she’s gone with them. She leftThunderClan to be near them. Prickling withfrustration, he led the way between the towering pines.He wove around a sprawling bramble and climbed arise where boulders clustered at the top. The pathbetween them led downhill, and before long he saw thecedar grove that marked the SkyClan camp. Followingthe fern wall, he found the entrance and ducked inside.

“Alderheart.” Leafstar stood beside a low-spreading juniper with Plumwillow and Bellaleaf. Sheblinked at the medicine cat in surprise.

“Forgive us for barging in like this,” Alderheart

began.Jayfeather pushed past him and stopped in front of

the SkyClan leader. He dipped his head. “HasLeafpool shared StarClan’s prophecy with you?”

“She has.” Leafstar’s gaze flicked from Jayfeatherto Kestrelflight and Puddleshine.

Jayfeather sat down and gazed sightlessly atLeafstar. “May I ask your thoughts?”

“On the prophecy?” Leafstar’s tail twitched. Sheturned her muzzle to the new dens where cats werebusy weaving branches. “We are building a new home.I’ve had little time to think about prophecies. We are avery busy Clan right now.”

Alderheart leaned forward. “But you must haveconsidered it.”

“‘The dark sky must not herald a storm.’”As Leafstar quoted Echosong’s warning, Leafpool

slid out of the hollow beneath an old cedar. She paddedtoward them. “Jayfeather!” She greeted her sonwarmly.

Jayfeather touched his muzzle to hers. “Did youforget about our meeting?”

“Oh!” Her eyes widened with alarm. “Oh, I’m so

sorry, all of you. Things have been so busy here . . . itjust completely slipped my mind.”

A prophecy slipped your mind? Alderheartthought indignantly. Is every cat too distracted totake this message seriously?

But Jayfeather didn’t seem bothered. “Well, it’s notas though you haven’t had enough to do here,” he saidcheerfully. “How are Tinycloud’s kits?”

“They were born just before the patrol left for thegorge,” Leafpool purred. “Two she-kits and a tom.”

Alderheart kneaded the ground impatiently. Hewas pleased to hear about Tinycloud’s kits, but therewere more important things to discuss. “What aboutthe prophecy? Have you had any thoughts about whatit might mean?”

“I haven’t. I’ve tried to think it through, but . . .well, we’ve been so busy.” Leafpool echoedLeafstar’s answer apologetically.

Kestrelflight padded forward. “Harestar hasstepped up patrols.”

“So has Rowanstar,” Puddleshine told her.Leafstar pricked her ears. “Does he have enough

warriors?”

“He’s only patrolling your border,” Jayfeather toldher bluntly. “He thinks the dark sky means SkyClan, ofcourse. ShadowClan never did have muchimagination.”

Puddleshine glanced sharply at the blind medicinecat. “Are you surprised Rowanstar’s being cautious?”he snapped. “After everything we’ve been through?”

Leafstar’s ears twitched. “We can’t change whatthe other Clans do. For now, we must take care ofourselves, and that means finishing our camp andfinding our lost Clanmates so that we can be a realClan again.”

Alderheart felt a pang of sympathy for the Clanleader. Until SkyClan had found their paws in theirnew home, they could do little except keep going.

Movement caught his eye. A brown-and-gingertom with a short tail, still raw at the tip, shot out fromthe ferns. Finpaw. He was pleased to see that the tomwas recovering from his accident.

Twigpaw bounced after the apprentice, herwhiskers twitching happily as she knocked a pineconeahead of her. “I found it!”

“Only because I told you where it was.”

Twigpaw! Happiness rippled through Alderheart’spelt. It was a relief to see that she seemed at homehere.

Her eyes shone as she spotted him. “Alderheart!”Racing across the camp, she cleared the stream withone jump and skidded to a halt beside him. “How areyou?”

“I’m fine.” Alderheart purred. “Are you settling inokay?”

“Yeah.” She glanced back at Finpaw. “It’s great.”“You must be getting your warrior name soon.”Twigpaw’s pelt ruffled self-consciously. “I don’t

know. I guess I’ll have to wait. But the otherapprentices are great.”

Alderheart frowned. How strange that Leafstarwas keeping her an apprentice. “I imagine you’rebored with training,” he meowed. “I’m surprisedyou’re not with Hawkwing’s patrol. Didn’t you want togo?”

Leafstar answered for her. “Twigpaw wanted tohelp her Clan build their camp.” The SkyClan leaderflashed Alderheart a stern look.

He shifted his paws. Clearly the SkyClan leader

didn’t want him stirring up discontent.Finpaw called across the camp. “Hurry up,

Twigpaw! It’s your turn to hide the pinecone.”Twigpaw looked anxiously from Finpaw to

Alderheart. “I’ll see you soon, okay?” she mewed toAlderheart.

He blinked at her. “Sure.” Did she want to endtheir meeting so quickly? Wasn’t she as eager to talkas he was? Disappointment pricked his belly. She mustbe settling into SkyClan better than he’d imagined.

She turned and hurried away, leaping the streamand grabbing the pinecone between her jaws beforedisappearing among the ferns.

Alderheart watched her go. He was glad to seeher happy, but he had secretly hoped she was missingThunderClan more.

Jayfeather whisked his tail. “Thank you for yourtime, Leafstar.” He nodded to his mother. “Do you stillwant to come with us to RiverClan? Remember, we’regoing to tell Mistystar about the prophecy.”

Leafpool narrowed her eyes. “Do you think you’llbe allowed to cross the border?”

“We have to try,” Jayfeather answered.

“Remember what she said at the Gathering: ‘if there istrouble, you may send a patrol to ask for help.’ Well,we’re asking for help.”

Leafpool glanced at a half-finished nest outside theapprentices’ den, and then at her medicine den, whereherbs were drying outside. “I appreciate your coming,but if you four can handle it, then I’d better stay here.There’s so much to do, and with four cats gone, therearen’t enough paws to do everything.”

“Of course.” Jayfeather nodded curtly. He headedfor the entrance, letting Puddleshine guide him out ofthe unfamiliar camp.

Alderheart hurried after them, Kestrelflight at hisheels. “Do you think RiverClan will stop us fromseeing Mistystar?”

“If I could predict the future, we wouldn’t needStarClan to guide us.” Jayfeather ducked through thefern tunnel that led into the forest. The browningfronds slicked his fur.

The medicine cats headed back to the shore,skirting the water where it crossed ShadowClan’sshore before heading into the marshy reed beds ofRiverClan territory.

Jayfeather took the lead. Alderheart guessed thathis whiskers guided him along the meandering routebetween the rushes, for his paws seemed to find thedriest paths and the wind was always behind them.Alderheart tasted the air. The musky fish-scent ofRiverClan was strong. The camp must be close. Hewas eager to meet Willowshine and Mothwing. Theirabsence from the half-moon meeting had felt strange.The bond between medicine cats felt almost strongerthan the bond between Clanmates. They sharedknowledge and visions warriors would neverexperience. Their connection with StarClan tied themto one another almost like kin.

He lifted his muzzle, peering through a clump ofbulrushes. Their heads bobbed around him like birds. Aheron stalked through shallow water a few tail-lengthsaway. Its feathers rustled as it lifted suddenly andwheeled into the air.

Jayfeather halted. “Wait.” With a flick of his tail,he signaled them to stop. Ahead, the reeds swished asa cat pushed through. Duskfur hopped onto the pathahead of them. Sneezecloud and Shimmerpeltfollowed. The RiverClan cats glared at them with open

hostility.“What are you doing here?” Duskfur’s greeting

was a snarl.Alderheart’s pelt prickled uneasily. Why was she

being so hostile?Jayfeather ignored the she-cat’s aggression.

“We’ve come to see Mistystar.” He faced themunblinking. “We have news from StarClan.”

“What news?” Duskfur tipped her head, a sneeron her face.

Jayfeather’s tail twitched. “If StarClan wanted toshare with warriors, they would.”

Shimmerpelt thrust her muzzle forward. “Theborder is closed!”

“Is it closed to StarClan too?” Jayfeather shotback.

Sneezecloud looked past the medicine cats,scanning the path behind them. “I don’t see anyStarClan cats with you.”

Puddleshine stepped forward and stood besideJayfeather. “They sent us.”

“We have to speak with Mistystar,” Alderheartchimed.

“Or Willowshine,” Kestrelflight added.“Mothwing will want to speak with us,” Jayfeather

meowed evenly.Duskfur narrowed her eyes. “My orders are to

stop any cat from crossing into our territory. RiverClanis rebuilding. We don’t need any distractions.”

Alderheart sighed. “That isn’t what Mistystar saidat the Gathering.”

Duskfur glared at him. “It’s what she’s sayingnow,” she insisted. Her gaze flicked to the far edge ofthe reed bed. “You shouldn’t be so far inside ourborder.”

Shimmerpelt flattened her ears. “There’s no waywe’re letting you reach the camp.”

“Then bring Willowshine or Mothwing here.”Jayfeather’s pelt bristled. “We need to shareStarClan’s news.”

“If you won’t tell us what it is,” Duskfur growled,“then I guess we’ll have to wait for StarClan to bringthe news themselves.”

Sneezecloud showed his teeth. “If it’s important,they’ll let us know.”

Alderheart’s chest was tight with fear. It was bad

enough that Bramblestar wouldn’t act. Mistystarwouldn’t even hear them out.

Kestrelflight curled his claws into the soft earth.“Perhaps they only want to share with cats whobehave like a real Clan.”

Sneezecloud hissed. “How dare a WindClan catjudge RiverClan after what Onestar did! Cats diedwhen he closed WindClan’s borders. He deprived themof herbs that could save them, all because he couldn’tface the fact that he’d fathered Darktail.”

Kestrelflight’s hackles lifted. “This has nothing todo with Onestar. He’s dead. Harestar is our leadernow.”

“So you’re a real Clan again?” Shimmerpelt curledher lip.

“We’ve learned what happens when you reject theother Clans,” Kestrelflight meowed pointedly.

Duskfur padded closer, ears flat. “Are you going toleave or do we need to drive you away?”

Jayfeather lifted his chin. “Will you tell Mistystarwe came? Or do you think she might not want to hearthat you have been making decisions for her?”

A menacing growl rumbled in Duskfur’s throat.

“Come on.” Alderheart slid in front of Jayfeatherand guided him away. “This is in StarClan’s pawsnow.”

He glanced over his shoulder as he led Jayfeather,Kestrelflight, and Puddleshine back toward the shore.Duskfur paced back and forth, her brown tabby peltbristling as the RiverClan patrol glowered at them. Hefelt sick. He hadn’t expected hostility here.

Alderheart trudged back through the reed beds.Worry weighed like a stone in his belly. The Clans hadtaken so long to obey StarClan’s command to embracewhat lay in the shadows that it had almost destroyedthem. They couldn’t let the same thing happen thistime.

And yet RiverClan refused to hear this prophecy.Rowanstar had interpreted it as a warning aboutSkyClan. Harestar had stepped up patrols. Leafstarwas too busy, and Bramblestar was too weary ofStarClan’s visions to care. The prophecy seemed onlyto have shone a light on the rifts between the Clans.We must work together to figure this out.Alderheart’s thoughts were spinning. How could hemake them understand when they were too wrapped

up in their own problems to think clearly?

CHAPTER 9

Violetpaw’s legs still ached from yesterday as shepadded beside Hawkwing. The sun hadn’t risen yet,but the sky showed pink beyond the distant forest.They had been starting early like this for days.Hawkwing and Blossomheart had grown more andmore excited as they neared their destination. Theyhad told stories of a “farm cat” named Barley, and oftheir mother, Cherrytail, and Cloudmist, their sister.Violetpaw had felt warm from her nose to her tail-tipat the news that she had yet more kin. She felt asthough she knew them already. She hadn’t realizedhow much Hawkwing had missed his mother and sisteruntil she’d heard the throb in his purr as he talkedabout growing up with them in the gorge. But she wasnervous about meeting them. She’d known Twigpawher whole life, and even their relationship hadn’talways been easy. She’d always felt closer toNeedletail than any cat. What if Cloudmist andCherrytail didn’t like her? Would she feel as attachedto them as she had been to Needletail? Her thoughts

flitted back to Needletail often, and she’d beensleeping badly, waking at the smallest gust of wind orrustle in the undergrowth, hoping for another dreamabout her friend, wondering if Needletail’s spirit hadreturned again.

Hawkwing seemed to have sensed her distractionover the past few days and, though he hadn’t pressedher, she could tell he was worried about her. Healways seemed to have one eye on her and one eye onthe path ahead. She wished she could confide in himabout the guilt that twisted her heart every time sheremembered her friend. But how could she tell himthat she’d left Needletail to be killed by Darktail? Hemight never look at her the same way again.

“It’s not far.” He spoke to her now, nodding to themeadows, which stretched toward the rosy dawn sky.They’d spent the night sheltering in the square mouthof a cave cut deep into a wide cliff, and they’d wokenearly. Stars still showed as they’d scrambled down thesteep slope and crossed the stretch of stone to whererough grass softened into pasture.

Molewhisker had wanted to follow the sun towhere it rose, but Hawkwing had recognized the

distant moorland and remembered a route that wouldtake them to the last place he’d seen his mother andsister. As the stars began to fade, they crossed adeserted Thunderpath and climbed past swaths ofgorse. Now fields stretched ahead of them as the sunlifted above the treetops.

Molewhisker and Blossomheart competed for thelead as they followed the edge of another meadow.Rabbitleap padded behind them, his pelt still ruffledfrom sleep.

Violetpaw shivered. Each day, the wind had growncolder and she had grown more tired. She longed torest in a sheltered clearing where sunlight fell in warmpools. Wearily, she stared at her paws.

Hawkwing brushed against her. “We’re nearlythere. Look.”

She lifted her head and gazed at the stubbly fieldbeyond a fence. Molewhisker, Blossomheart, andRabbitleap were already crossing it. Short, dirty yellowstalks poked out of the brown earth in rows, likeprickles on a hedgehog. Shattered stems littered theground between.

“Last time I was here, the stalks were green and

tall.” Hawkwing squeezed beneath the fence.Violetpaw wriggled after him. “I wonder what ate

them?” She glanced around nervously. Any creaturethat could bite through such thick stalks must be huge.

Hawking hurried after the others. “Whatever itwas is gone now.”

Violetpaw saw white shapes moving in the nextfield. As big as bushes, they floated like small cloudsover the ground. Were they dangerous? She wonderedwarily if they had eaten the stalks. As she paddedcloser, she could hear grass tearing as they grazed.They stared ahead, chewing blankly, clearly unawarethat their thick coats were filthy and matted.

“What are they?” she breathed, her nose wrinklingat their musky smell.

“Sheep.” Hawkwing glanced at her. “They won’thurt you.”

“Don’t they ever wash?” Muddy lumps hung fromtheir pelts. She didn’t want to go any closer. Suchstrange, stinky creatures would have amusedNeedletail. She wouldn’t have worried aboutapproaching them. She’d have run right up to one andpoked its thick, curly pelt just to see what it felt like.

As they skirted the sheep field, Molewhiskerpaused and looked back toward Hawkwing. For thefirst time, the ThunderClan tom looked unsure ofhimself. “Where do we go now?”

Hawkwing trotted past him, his tail high. Heopened his mouth as though savoring familiar scents.“We head for Barley’s barn.” He nodded toward thelarge Twoleg nest looming beyond the sheep field.

“Is it safe?” Violetpaw’s pelt prickled with anxiety.Hawkwing pointed his muzzle to a smaller Twoleg

nest farther away. “The Twolegs live over there. Thisis where Barley lives. It’s safe here.”

He quickened his pace, crossing a wide, dirt pathonto a stretch of stone that led to the barn. Violetpawsaw Molewhisker glance doubtfully at Blossomheart.

“You’ll like Barley,” Blossomheart promised him.As she spoke, a happy yowl echoed over the

stone. “Hawkwing? Is that you?” A black-and-whitetom was staring at Hawkwing.

Hawkwing broke into a run. “Barley!” He movedtoward the tom, purring loudly. Violetpaw followedBlossomheart and Hawkwing to meet Barley, feelingsuddenly nervous.

Barley broke away from Hawkwing and wovearound Blossomheart. “It’s good to see you again.” Hestopped and stared at Violetpaw. “Hawkwing! Is thisyour kit?”

Hawkwing lifted his chin proudly. “One of them.This is Violetpaw. Twigpaw stayed in camp. How didyou know she’s mine?”

Barley’s whiskers twitched happily. “You have thesame eyes,” he mewed. “And the same thoughtfulexpression.”

Violetpaw’s chest swelled with pride.Something moved near the corner of the barn. A

tortoiseshell-and-white she-cat was squeezing outthrough a gap in the wood. She padded, blinking, intothe sunshine. “Barley?” She tipped her head. “What’sgoing on?” Her eyes widened as she spotted thevisitors. Joy sparked like fire in their green depths.“Hawkwing!”

“Cherrytail!” Hawkwing hurried to meet hismother, his tail fluffed with joy. He rubbed muzzleswith her roughly, a purr rumbling in his throat. Then hepaused and drew back. His eyes clouded with unease.“Where’s Cloudmist? Is she okay?”

Violetpaw heard fear in his mew. He had lost somany cats; he clearly worried about losing another.

“She’s fine!” Cherrytail popped her head backthrough the gap in the wood and called. “Cloudmist!Hawkwing has come at last!”

As she ducked out, a white she-cat pushed pasther, her ears pricked with excitement.

“What are you doing here?” She rubbed her cheekagainst Hawkwing’s. “What happened to all of you?Where is everyone? Did you find the hunting landsEchosong dreamed of?”

“There’s so much to tell you—” Hawkwing didn’thave time to finish. Cherrytail’s ecstatic gaze hadflitted to Blossomheart.

“It’s so good to see you!” She raced to greet herother kit, then blinked happily at Hawkwing.

Hawkwing had clearly decided explanations couldwait, despite Cherrytail’s barrage of questions. Thecats were too excited. The stone beneath Violetpaw’spads seemed to echo with purring. She hung backbeside Molewhisker while her Clanmates greeted oneanother.

Cherrytail caught her eye. “Who’s this?” she

asked eagerly.Barley puffed out his chest. “Hawkwing has kits

now. This is Violetpaw.”“Kits?” Cherrytail’s eyes shone. “They must be

Pebbleshine’s! Do you have littermates?”“I have a sister called Twigpaw.” Violetpaw was

suddenly nervous. She didn’t like being the center ofattention. “But she stayed at home.” I wish you werehere, she wailed silently to her sister, wondering howto explain why Twigpaw hadn’t come. Everyone likedTwigpaw. She always knew exactly what to say.Violetpaw stared at Cherrytail, desperately searchingfor words.

“Come and meet Violetpaw!” Cherrytail beckonedCloudmist with her tail.

The white she-cat hurried over, her yellow eyeswide. “I didn’t know Pebbleshine was expecting kits!”She turned to Hawkwing. “Where is she?”

“Did she stay behind with Twigpaw?” Cherrytailasked.

Violetpaw stiffened. She looked at her father. Griefsharpened his gaze.

Cherrytail read his expression at once.

“Hawkwing?” Concern edged her mew. “Didsomething happen?”

Hawkwing seemed to shrink inside his pelt.“Pebbleshine got separated from us on the journey,” hemurmured. “We climbed onto a monster to steal prey,and it ran away with her. She couldn’t jump off in time.The monster carried her off, and she had Twigpaw andVioletpaw alone beside a Thunderpath. Then shedisappeared. I wish . . .” He broke off, his mew thick.

Claws jabbed Violetpaw’s heart and she heardherself mumbling, “We think she was killed on theThunderpath.”

“Oh, you poor things!” Cherrytail rubbed hermuzzle against Violetpaw’s cheek.

Hawkwing blinked the grief from his eyes. “Sheand Twigpaw had hardly opened their eyes whenPebbleshine disappeared.”

Cloudmist’s eyes were round. “How did theysurvive?”

“They were found by Clan cats.” Hawkwinglooked fondly at Violetpaw.

“You found the other Clans!” Cherrytail blinked athim eagerly.

“They found us.” Hawkwing shifted his paws.“Eventually. We wandered so far and so long. And welost so many cats on the way.” His yellow eyes lookedsuddenly haunted. Violetpaw pressed against him, herheart aching for his grief.

Cherrytail’s gaze darkened. “Leafstar?”“She’s well. But Echosong died.”“No!” Cherrytail’s eyes glittered with sorrow.

“How?”Blossomheart padded forward, touched her muzzle

to her mother’s cheek. “There’s so much to tell. Somany deaths. Let us tell it slowly.”

Hawkwing nodded. “First, let’s share good news.”“We have our own territory among the old Clans

beside their lake,” Blossomheart told her.Rabbitleap joined in. “Macgyver and Sandynose

are there. And Tinycloud has had a new litter ofkits. . . .”

As her mentor listed their Clanmates, Violetpawstared at Cherrytail and Cloudmist. For so long she’dbelieved Twigpaw was her only kin. And now she hadmore kin than she could ever have imagined. Shelooked at their tortoiseshell-and-white pelts and saw

nothing of herself in them. Was she like them at all?“. . . and Plumwillow had her kits along the

journey. They’re apprentices in the new campnow . . .”

As Rabbitleap went on, Barley whispered inVioletpaw’s ear. “Have you eaten today?”

Violetpaw shook her head.Barley nodded at Molewhisker. “You don’t look

familiar. Are you a new member of SkyClan?”“I’m ThunderClan,” Molewhisker explained. “I

came with the patrol to show them the way.”Barley’s eyes flashed warmly. “How’d you like to

help me hunt while they share their news? You looklike you’d make a good ratter.”

Molewhisker blinked happily at the farm cat. “I’lldo my best.”

Violetpaw watched them head toward the barnbefore turning her attention back to Hawkwing. Shesuddenly didn’t mind being shy. Everyone was talkingso fast that there wasn’t a chance for her to speak.But they kept glancing at her with an acceptance she’dnever seen in any cat besides Twigpaw andHawkwing. She purred quietly to herself, relishing the

feeling of belonging.

Outside the barn, the sun had lifted high into thesky. Inside, its bright rays flashed through holes in thehigh roof. Violetpaw lay on the warm, shelteredground, stretched in a pool of sunlight, her belly full.

Between them, Molewhisker and Barley hadcaught enough fat, juicy rats to feed them all. It wasthe best meal Violetpaw had eaten in days. She half-closed her eyes, enjoying the warmth and comfort.

Barley dozed a few tail-lengths away.Molewhisker was exploring the shadows at the back ofthe barn. Cloudmist sat nearby, washing her face witha paw, while Blossomheart lay in the shadows besideCherrytail. Their fluffy pelts looked so similar in thehalf-light that Violetpaw could hardly tell them apart.

Hawkwing finished off the rat Molewhisker hadbrought him and, licking his lips, blinked at his mother.“We didn’t just come to visit,” he mewed softly.

Cherrytail got to her paws, nodding as though sheknew what he was about to say. “You want us toreturn to the lake with you,” she guessed.

Hawking gazed at her solemnly. “We’ve found theplace Echosong saw in her vision. You should be there

with us.”Cloudmist shifted her paws. “I’m not sure. We

have a good life here, Hawkwing. We have plenty offresh-kill and clean water.”

“And it’s safe.” Shadows showed in Cherrytail’seyes, as though memories of danger still haunted her.

“You will be safe beside the lake,” Hawkwingpromised. “You only decided to stay here because youwere injured—”

“And because it’s closer to Sharpclaw.”Cherrytail’s eyes glistened with grief.

Violetpaw knew from Hawkwing’s stories thatSharpclaw was his father and Cherrytail’s belovedmate. Darktail had killed him in the battle for thegorge. It had been a huge blow to them all.

Hawkwing held his mother’s gaze. “You can’t livefor the past and hide from the future.”

“Your Clan needs you. We need you,”Blossomheart urged.

Rabbitleap flicked his tail. “We need to reunite theClan. We’re heading for the gorge to look for more ofour lost Clanmates. We’re hardly enough cats to makea Clan beside the lake. We don’t even have a medicine

cat.”Cherrytail looked away.Cloudmist got to her paws. “It’s not easy to start

over again,” she mewed. “Especially having known somuch pain.”

Hawkwing dropped his gaze. “I understand that it’shard,” he meowed softly. “But promise me you’ll thinkabout it.”

“I suppose we should. After all, we said we’drejoin you someday.” Cherrytail sat down and curledher tail around her. “But leaving here would be a greatloss.”

Violetpaw saw hurt in her father’s eyes before hequickly blinked it away. “We’ll stop here on our wayback from the gorge,” Hawkwing told his mother. “Youcan tell me your decision then.”

Barley got to his paws and stretched. “Staytonight,” he meowed. “You all look tired; a good night’ssleep and more food will do you good.”

“Thank you,” Hawkwing dipped his head. “Wewill.”

Violetpaw felt a surge of gratitude to the farm cat.The barn was cozy and she might be able to sleep

deeply enough to dream. If Needletail wasn’t going toappear in the forest again, perhaps she would visit herdreams. Violetpaw wanted a chance to tell her that,even though she had found Cherrytail and Cloudmist,Needletail would always be more like kin to her thanany cat.

But at that thought, Violetpaw’s heart quickened.Was there a reason Needletail hadn’t visited for solong?

Are you still angry with me, Needletail?

CHAPTER 10

Movement flashed at the corner of Twigpaw’s eye.A mouse was threading its way between the shrivelingfronds of a fern a few tail-lengths away.

“Are you listening?” Sandynose’s sharp mewjerked her attention back. He was staring up at a pinetree.

“I’m listening,” Twigpaw answered, one eye stillon the mouse.

Mist hung between the trees, muffling the soundsof the forest. High above the forest, thick cloudscovered the sky. Twigpaw fluffed out her fur againstthe damp.

Sandynose’s tail twitched irritably. “Can you seethe bird?”

Twigpaw dragged her gaze from the mouse, whichwas nibbling a pinecone, and followed her mentor’sgaze. A sparrow was flitting from branch to branch,pecking at cones that clustered at the tips. “I can seeit.”

“I want you to climb the tree and catch it,”

Sandynose instructed.“There’s a mouse over there.” Twigpaw nodded at

it. “It’s meatier than a sparrow and much easier tocatch.”

Ivypool would have approved of her practicalthinking.

But Sandynose glared at her. “When I tell you tocatch a bird, I mean catch a bird. If I want you tocatch a mouse, I’ll say mouse. You’re a SkyClan catnow. Any cat can catch prey on the forest floor. OnlySkyClan can hunt in the trees.”

Twigpaw thought of the bustling ThunderClancamp with a pang of longing. They seemed to bethriving on forest-floor prey. She blinked at Sandynose.Why couldn’t he be more like his son? Finpaw wasfun.

And he likes me.“Twigpaw!” Sandynose growled at her as her

thoughts wandered again.“Sorry.” Twigpaw gazed at him, pressing back

irritation.“Climb the tree!”Claws itching with frustration, Twigpaw hooked

them into the soft bark of the pine.“Dig your claws in deep,” Sandynose meowed.I know that, Twigpaw fumed.“Make sure three paws always have a grip on the

trunk.”Why is he treating me like a kit? She understood

Leafstar’s wish for her to gain a little experience as aSkyClan apprentice before she received her warriorname, but Sandynose knew that she’d passed herThunderClan assessment. And yet he acted like she’djust left the nursery.

She hauled herself up. The lowest branches of apine were so spindly. She’d have to climb farther toreach a branch she could stand on. She wondered ifFinpaw liked climbing trees. He looked strong enoughto climb to the top of the Sky Oak in ThunderClanterritory. Her thoughts wandered. Even though he wasstill an apprentice, his shoulders were as broad as awarrior’s. He was going to be a handsome tom. Healready was handsome. And so funny and kind.

“Twigpaw!” Sandynose yowled below her. “Areyou going to hang there all day like a woodpecker?”

She realized that she’d stopped. Her claws burned

from the strain. Pushing hard with her hind paws, shepropelled herself upward and scrambled onto the firstthick branch she reached.

The sparrow had fluttered higher. Twigpaw sighed.If she’d been allowed to catch the mouse, they couldbe heading back to camp now with prey for theirClanmates. Did Tinycloud really care whether she atesparrow or mouse? She had three kits to nurse. Surelyany prey was better than waiting?

Twigpaw scrambled onto the next branch, then thenext, following them around as they spiraled higher upthe tree. The sparrow hopped along a bough overhead.Twigpaw paused to trace out a route through the spikytwigs that would let her creep close to it without beingseen.

“Have you caught it yet?” Sandynose’s mew rangfrom the ground.

Alarmed, the sparrow hopped higher.Hush! Anger burned through her pelt. Gritting her

teeth, she hauled herself onto the next branch, climbinguntil, at last, she was level with the sparrow.

It skipped around a cluster of pinecones at the tipof the branch, digging its beak deep into the gaps.

Twigpaw ducked low and drew herself along the bark.She moved each paw slowly, keeping them tucked intight. As long as the sparrow didn’t look up, she’d beclose enough to leap in a few more breaths. Slowly.Her thoughts stilled as she focused on her prey.Energy bunched in her hind paws. She drew in a long,slow breath, and then she leaped. Reaching forward,she swiped for the sparrow. Her paws brushed itsfeathers. As she uncurled her claws to hook it, thebranch cracked beneath her.

With a yelp, she felt herself falling. The branchtumbled away, and air rushed around her. Heartlurching, she wailed. Hard wood hit her flank as shethudded against the branch below, and she twisted,trying to grip it with her claws, but she was alreadyslithering down to the next one. It knocked the side ofher head with such force that for a moment she sawstars. Pain scorched through her as she fell and landedwith a thud on the ground.

“Twigpaw!” Sandynose’s alarmed cry sounded faraway. “Are you okay?”

She struggled to free herself from the fog that wastrying to drag her down like water. Her head throbbed.

Her chest ached. She drew in a shuddering breath andblinked open her eyes.

Sandynose swam above her. The trees behind himseemed to sway.

“Are you hurt?” he asked, his eyes wide withpanic.

She hauled herself to her paws, scanning her body,feeling for injuries. Her legs held her. Her body hurt,but she could breathe, and her mind was clearing. Sheshook out her fur. “I’m okay,” she gasped, still winded.

“Let’s get you back to camp,” Sandynose mewed.“Leafpool should check you over.”

The medicine den felt warm, screened from themist and damp of the forest.

Twigpaw sat in its shade as Leafpool ran her pawsover her spine and legs. “Nothing is broken.”

Sandynose shifted anxiously inside the entrance.“Will she be okay?”

“She was lucky.” Leafpool eyed the tomreproachfully. “There are easier ways to catch prey,you know.”

“I feel fine,” Twigpaw told her quickly. Sandynosewas probably already mad at her for being so clumsy.

The walk back to camp had revived her, and she feltclearheaded again. The only signs she’d had a fallwere a few bruises beneath her pelt and stiffness,which was already easing.

“No dizziness?” Leafpool touched her nose to aspot behind Twigpaw’s ear.

“No.”“There’s a little swelling here.”“I guess I hit my head. But I hit so many other

parts on the way down, I’m not sure.” She glancedguiltily at Sandynose. “I guess I’m not much of aSkyClan cat.”

“You’re not hurt,” he told her. “That’s all thatmatters.”

“You should rest here for a day or two,” Leafpooladvised. “So I can keep an eye on you.”

The lichen behind Sandynose trembled as Finpawstuck his head through. “What happened to Twigpaw?I saw Sandynose bring her here.”

“She fell out of a tree,” Leafpool told him.His eyes widened and he blinked at Twigpaw in

alarm. “Are you okay?”“I’m fine.” Her heart lifted at the sight of him.

How much warmer his yellow gaze was than hisfather’s.

“Will you sit with her while I collect herbs?”Leafpool asked the young tom. “I want to get someborage before this mist makes it too damp. I’ll bedownstream, where it flows down to the lakeshore.Fetch me if Twigpaw seems unwell.”

Sandynose’s ears twitched. “I can sit with her,” heoffered stiffly.

Leafpool swished her tail dismissively. “It’d bebetter for her to have someone her own age. She’s hada shock and needs distraction.”

Twigpaw’s heart swelled with gratitude to her oldClanmate. Had Leafpool guessed that spending theafternoon here with her mentor would be worse thanfalling out of the tree?

Leafpool nosed Sandynose out of the den, leavingTwigpaw alone with Finpaw.

“Why were you up a tree?” Finpaw sat beside her.“Sandynose wants me to learn how to hunt like a

SkyClan cat,” Twigpaw told him.Finpaw rolled his eyes. “He’s obsessed with

making every cat act like they are still in the gorge. He

told me yesterday he was going to find a cliff so Icould practice rock-climbing like a gorge cat. Doesn’the realize we’re lake cats now? It would be better tolearn how to swim.”

Twigpaw shuddered. “Let’s leave swimming toRiverClan.”

“But still,” Finpaw went on. “Pine trees are uselessfor climbing. They’re so tall and spindly, and there’s somuch prey down here on the forest floor.”

Twigpaw wanted to agree, but she felt a tug ofloyalty to her mentor. And she knew that, even thoughFinpaw might criticize his father, he loved andrespected Sandynose. “I guess change is hard for oldercats,” she mewed. “In ThunderClan, the elders werealways complaining about young cats and their sillyideas. I tried to show Graystripe a new hunting moveonce and he just sniffed and said, ‘A mouse is amouse. You don’t need new ways to catch them.’”

Finpaw purred with amusement. “I’m glad wedon’t have elders. I mean, Fallowfern is officially anelder, but she’s not old; she’s just deaf. But it’s hardenough listening to the warriors reminiscing about howgood it used to be before the rogues came. If elders

joined in, they’d never talk about anything else.”“I don’t know why they can’t just look forward

instead of backward,” Twigpaw agreed. “It’s so greatthat SkyClan is beside the lake now. You’re going tolove it here.” She felt a twinge of homesickness. “Iwish I could show you around ThunderClan territory.It’s so pretty and there are so many places to play.”She paused, remembering suddenly the small clearingwhere Alderheart and Needletail had brought her andVioletpaw to play together when they were kits. “Iknow a place here, on SkyClan territory,” she mewedexcitedly. “At least, I think it’s on SkyClan territorynow. I used to play with Violetpaw there.”

“I thought you said you couldn’t play with her aftershe left.”

Twigpaw winked at him. “It’s a secret. I didn’twant Leafpool to know.”

“Can we go and find it?” Finpaw’s pelt ruffledeagerly.

“Now?” Twigpaw’s paws itched at the thought.“You’re confined to camp until your tail is fully healedand I’m meant to be resting.”

Finpaw flicked his half tail toward her. The wound

was almost healed. “I’m only waiting for the fur togrow back,” he mewed. “And you said you feel fine.”

“I do.” Twigpaw’s head ached a little, but she wassure fresh air would be better for it than sitting in astuffy den.

“Let’s go, then.” Finpaw got to his paws. “Weknow where Leafpool is, so we can avoid her, andwe’ll be back before she’s finished collecting herbs.”

“What about Sandynose?”Finpaw stuck his head out of the den quickly, then

turned back to Twigpaw. “There’s no sign of him. Theonly cat in camp is Fallowfern, and she’s sleeping.”

“She probably doesn’t even know that we’remeant to stay in camp.” Twigpaw stood and stretched.Her aches were gone and she could hardly feel herbruises. She felt sure that her headache would begone, too, by the time they found the clearing.

Finpaw slid out of the den first and glanced aroundthe camp as Twigpaw followed. Fallowfern dozedbeside the bramble nursery, sheltered from the dampair by the overhanging fronds of the bracken behindher. She snored as Finpaw and Twigpaw crept to thecamp entrance.

“It’s all clear,” Finpaw breathed, peeping out.Quickly they darted from the camp and raced

along the rise to the cover of a patch of ferns. Theyducked down behind them while Twigpaw scanned theforest. She tried to remember where the clearing hadbeen. She knew it must be between the ThunderClancamp and the ShadowClan camp, so she began to leadthe way toward the ditches. That would take them inthe right direction.

“Why didn’t you want Leafpool to know you usedto play with Violetpaw?” Finpaw asked as he followedher.

Twigpaw glanced back at him. “Alderheart andNeedletail used to take us there in secret. It was theonly way we could see each other after ShadowClanand ThunderClan separated us.”

“You must have missed her.”“She was the only kin I knew.” Twigpaw realized,

with a flash of guilt, that she had enjoyed being theonly kin Violetpaw could rely on. Now Violetpaw hadHawkwing and a whole Clan to belong to. She doesn’tneed me anymore. She paused. But I need them,surely?

“Are you missing her now?” Finpaw asked.“Sure.” But it’s nice having you all to myself.

She avoided his gaze, relieved when she recognizedthe curving slope ahead. Brambles edged the base andshe climbed it, quickening her step as she rememberedwhere it led. “This way.”

She scrambled down the other side and hopped thefallen tree she had hidden behind the first time they’dcome. The forest opened around her, and she gazed upat the sky. The clouds were darkening. Rain was onthe way.

“We mustn’t stay long.” A tom’s mew soundedbehind the clump of ferns ahead of her. Twigpawstiffened. Someone was already here. “I’m supposedto be checking on Scorchfur’s patrol.”

A she-cat answered. “I promised Squirrelflight I’dbring back prey. I need to hunt before I go home.”

“Quick! Hide!” Pushing Finpaw back, Twigpawducked behind the fallen tree.

“What—”Twigpaw cut him off. “Hush. Someone’s here. We

can’t be seen out of camp.”“Who is it?” Finpaw peeked over the bark.

“Don’t let them see you!” Twigpaw tugged his furwith her paw.

“They’re behind the ferns,” Finpaw whispered.“They won’t see us, and we’re downwind.”

Twigpaw tasted the air. She could smell the othercats. ShadowClan scent mingled with ThunderClan.She popped her head up beside Finpaw’s and strainedto make out the pelts through the shriveling ferns.

Dovewing! She recognized the pale grayThunderClan warrior at once. Her paws felt suddenlycold. Ivypool’s words rang in her mind. I didn’t thinkit was a good idea for them to travel together. Witha sinking feeling she saw the dark tabby fur ofShadowClan’s deputy showing between the browningleaves. Dovewing and Tigerheart were meeting, andshe guessed by their hushed, anxious voices that theywere meeting in secret.

She pricked her ears.Tigerheart sounded worried. “It’s bad timing,

Dovewing. Our warriors are losing respect forRowanstar. And they keep looking at me, like I’msupposed to take his place.”

“Is that what you want?” Dovewing’s eyes shone

with fear.The ferns rustled as Tigerheart shifted his paws.

“ShadowClan is weaker than it’s ever been. They needa leader they can believe in.”

“And that leader has to be you?”“I don’t know.” Tigerheart avoided her gaze. “I’m

trying to support Rowanstar, but that might not beenough.”

“What about me?” Dovewing’s mew caught in herthroat. “What about us?”

Tigerheart looked at her, desperation glittering inhis gaze. “I love you, Dovewing. I will always loveyou. We can sort this out, I promise.”

Twigpaw ducked down, her pelt bristling anxiously.“We can’t stay here.”

Finpaw stared at her puzzled. “Why?”Twigpaw turned away. She’d already heard too

much. “This isn’t our problem.”Finpaw hurried after her. “That was Tigerheart,

wasn’t it? Why was he with Dovewing?”Isn’t it obvious? Twigpaw flashed him a look.

“Just don’t say anything, okay?”He blinked at her. “I never saw a thing.”

“Thanks.” She wished she’d never seen them.Should she tell Ivypool? Perhaps it was nothing.Perhaps they were just friends. Why upset Ivypoolover this? She wasn’t even a Clanmate anymore. Butshe was your mentor. She’d want to know. Twigpawblocked the thought. It’s none of my business. I’mSkyClan now. Her loyalty was to her new Clanmates,not her old ones.

“Hurry up.” She trotted into the lead. “We’remeant to be having fun! Let’s find a live frog to hide inDewpaw’s nest before he gets home from training.”She broke into a run.

Finpaw followed, wobbling as his short tailunbalanced him. “You can carry it home!” he called. “Idon’t want to get the taste of frog on my tongue.”

“Don’t you like frog?” Twigpaw looked over hershoulder. “Perhaps I should hide it in your nest.”

“I dare you!” Finpaw broke into a purr as he ranafter her.

“Never dare a SkyClan cat!” Suddenly Twigpawdidn’t care about Dovewing or Ivypool or Tigerheart.She was a SkyClan cat. And having a friend in hernew Clan seemed more important than anything.

CHAPTER 11

Alderheart padded along ThunderClan’s shoreuntil the pebbles gave way to boulders. Early morninglight sparkled on the water. Soft clouds drifted acrossthe pale blue sky, and a mild breeze blew from thedistant moor. Here, mallow grew in clumps. Hebounded along the smooth, flat rocks until he reached acluster of paw-shaped leaves. A few wilting flowersnodded among them, and he picked them first, pleasedthat he’d found some before cold weather killed themoff. He tore off a leaf and rolled the petals in it,wedging in a crevice until he was ready to head home.

Movement caught his eye near the halfbridge. Acat slid from beneath it and hurried toward him.

Willowshine! His heart leaped as he recognizedthe RiverClan medicine cat’s gray pelt. He hadn’t seena RiverClan cat since Duskfur had turned him and theother medicine cats away. She was heading straighttoward him, and as she neared, he could see that hergaze was fixed on him. She looked anxious. He hurriedto meet her, keeping close to the water as he crossed

SkyClan’s shore. Had something happened toRiverClan?

“Are you okay?” he called as he neared her.She glanced nervously across the lake toward

RiverClan territory.Alderheart guessed she wasn’t supposed to be

here. He flicked his tail toward the woods at the top ofthe shore, and headed that way, glancing back to makesure Willowshine was following. He slid into the coverof the trees, ducking down behind a screen of bracken.

Willowshine reached him, breathless. “I had tocome,” she panted. “StarClan sent me a message.”

Alderheart blinked at her anxiously. “What wasit?”

“When I was looking for a fresh supply of marigoldyesterday, I had a vision.”

“While you were awake?” Alderheart wassurprised. StarClan usually only shared dreams withmedicine cats. This must have been important. Did ithave something to do with the prophecy?

“It was sunny, and I’d just left the reed beds andwas climbing the slope toward some herbs that preferdrier soil. Then the sky darkened.”

Alderheart’s breath caught in his throat. It must bethe prophecy!

She went on. “I looked up and saw that the bluesky had been covered by thick clouds. They weredark, as though a storm was about to break. The airaround me seemed to shimmer, and the air grewdarker and darker. I was so frightened. Then a catrushed past me. I felt the wind from its fur on my pelt.It raced down the slope, and as it disappeared into thereed beds, everything turned black as though the sunhad disappeared.” The medicine cat was shaking.“Then, in a blink, it was light again. The sky was blue.The sun was shining. I wondered if I’d beendreaming.”

Alderheart stared at her expectantly. Was thisStarClan’s way of sharing the prophecy with her?

“The weird thing is”—Willowshine frowned, herbright green eyes clouding—“the picture that stuck inmy mind was the cat’s hind paw.”

“Why?” Alderheart leaned forward eagerly.“It had six toes.” She shifted her paws nervously.

“And then a voice sounded in my mind. ‘To fend off astorm, you will need an extra claw.’”

Alderheart’s thoughts raced. What could it mean?An extra claw . . . Most cats had five claws on eachpaw, just as there were five Clans. Was the extra clawa sixth Clan? Was StarClan promising to help them?Were they the sixth Clan? “What did the cat looklike?”

“I don’t know. It was too dark. I don’t even knowif it was a tom or a she-cat. The only thing I rememberis the toes. I think that’s all StarClan wanted me tosee.”

Alderheart sat down. “Do you know about theprophecy?”

“Which prophecy?” Willowshine looked puzzled.“When we shared with StarClan at the Moonpool,

Echosong told us all, ‘The dark sky must not herald astorm.’ We tried to tell you, but Duskfur—”

Willowshine interrupted him, her thoughts alreadyon the prophecy. “‘The dark sky must not herald astorm’? What does that mean?”

“We don’t know.” Alderheart shifted his weightonto his haunches. “Rowanstar thinks the dark skymust mean SkyClan. Harestar thinks something bad iscoming, and he’s ordered extra patrols. Leafstar says

she’s too busy building a new home to think about it.”He frowned. “Bramblestar doesn’t seem too botheredeither.”

Willowshine widened her eyes. “Mistystar reactedthe same way to my vision! I told her what I’d seen,and she said she had too many real things to worryabout without wasting her time on stuff she couldn’tsee.”

Alderheart’s pelt prickled. “Why don’t leadersunderstand that StarClan is their best ally?” Hegrunted. “Patrols and borders,” he muttered under hisbreath. “That’s all leaders care about.”

“We have more information now,” Willowshinepointed out. “I only had my vision and you only hadyours. But if we tell them about both, then they’ll haveto listen.”

Alderheart blinked at her. She was right. Hervision had given them an important clue. Now at leastthey knew what would help them avoid the storm. Ifonly they knew what the cat with the six toes meant.“Come on.” He got to his paws. “We have to tell thisto Bramblestar.”

“But I need to get back.” Willowshine glanced

anxiously toward the lake. “I sneaked out.”“Your Clanmates will think you’re gathering

herbs,” Alderheart reassured her. “That’s what I wasdoing just now. That’s what all medicine cats do at thestart of leaf-fall.” He didn’t give her chance to argueand began to head toward the ThunderClan camp. Ithad been too long since he’d heard from RiverClan.He wanted a chance to talk to her. She needed toknow that Duskfur had turned them away when they’dtried to share the prophecy. If RiverClan cutthemselves off from StarClan as well as the otherClans, that could only lead to trouble. “We missed youat the Moonpool meeting,” he mewed as he followed arabbit track across the border into ThunderClanterritory.

“I’m sorry I couldn’t come. Mistystar ordered meand Mothwing to stay in camp.” Willowshine hurriedafter him, her pelt ruffling uneasily.

“I tried to visit to tell you the prophecy. Jayfeather,Kestrelflight, and Puddleshine were with me, butDuskfur wouldn’t let us cross the border.”

“I know.” Willowshine fell in beside him as hebegan to follow the stream that flowed down to the

lake.She knew? Alarm jabbed Alderheart’s chest.

Didn’t she care?She went on. “The patrol made their report to

Mistystar loud enough for the whole camp to hear.Duskfur was furious that you tried to reach the camp.When Mothwing pointed out that medicine cats areallowed to cross borders, she wouldn’t listen.”

“Did Mistystar agree with her?” Alderheartglanced at her anxiously. He’d hoped that Duskfur’sattitude wasn’t shared by the whole of RiverClan.

Willowshine avoided his eye. “She said she wasright to send you away.”

Alderheart’s heart sank. Why was RiverClanbehaving like this? Mistystar hadn’t seemed this hostileat the Gathering. Now it sounded like she wasfollowing in the paw steps of Onestar, the lateWindClan leader who’d acted so oddly before Darktailwas driven off. “StarClan is unhappy about RiverClancutting themselves off,” he mewed softly. He didn’twant to upset Willowshine, but he hoped she mightpass on his words to Mistystar.

“Mistystar feels betrayed by the other Clans,”

Willowshine murmured, as though she feared beingoverheard. “She feels they should have stoppedDarktail before he caused so much harm.”

Alderheart glanced at her sympathetically.“RiverClan suffered. We all did. But how could theClans have known Darktail was so evil? How couldwe imagine the unimaginable?”

Willowshine didn’t answer. She was clearly tornbetween loyalty to her Clanmates and loyalty toStarClan. Instead she changed the subject. “How isSkyClan?”

Alderheart remembered that RiverClan had left theGathering before SkyClan’s fate had been decided.“They have their own territory now. Rowanstar gavethem a piece of ShadowClan land.”

Willowshine blinked at him in surprise. “Why?”“Tigerheart suggested it,” Alderheart told her. “He

said it made sense to have a grateful ally on theirborder.”

Willowshine was quiet for a moment. Then shemewed, “Should Rowanstar have let Tigerheart makesuch an important decision? After everythingShadowClan has been through, they need their leader

to be strong.”“Perhaps having a strong deputy is as good as

having a strong leader.” Alderheart cut away from thestream and began to head for the rise, which led to thecamp. He hadn’t thought about Tigerheart’s speechmuch; he’d been too worried about SkyClan’s fate.But Willowshine was right. By speaking up, Tigerhearthad made Rowanstar seem less powerful.

The sight of the thorn barrier distracted him fromthe thought. What would Bramblestar say aboutWillowshine’s vision? Please let him take it seriouslythis time. Worry pricked at his paws as he padded intocamp.

Bramblestar sat alone on Highledge. Dovewingwas talking with Millie and Graystripe outside theelders’ den. Blossomfall was encouraging her kits tochase a moss ball beside the nursery, knocking it softlyaway from them as they stumbled to catch it. Theywere still unsteady on their paws, blinking at thedaylight.

Stemkit’s white-and-orange fur was fluffed out ashe scrambled ahead of his littermates and reached themoss ball first. “I got it!” he squeaked triumphantly.

Eaglekit hooked it away from him with a delightedmew.

Willowshine purred. “They look well.”“They are healthy and strong,” Alderheart reported

proudly. “In SkyClan, Tinycloud’s had her kits too. Twoshe-kits and a tom.”

Graystripe called across the clearing.“Willowshine! It’s good to see you. How isRiverClan?”

“They’re fine,” she reported, not meeting the oldtom’s eye.

“Has Mistystar opened the border?” Dovewingasked.

“No.” Willowshine’s pelt ruffled. “I just came todiscuss something with Alderheart.”

Dovewing shrugged and headed toward thenursery. As she began playing with the kits, Alderheartled Willowshine up the tumble of rocks.

Bramblestar met them at the top. “Willowshine.”He flicked his tail uneasily. “What are you doing here?Is everything okay in RiverClan?”

“RiverClan is fine.” Willowshine dipped her head.“I came to share a vision I had with Alderheart.”

Bramblestar’s gaze sharpened. “Did StarClan sendyou their message about the dark sky?”

“It wasn’t the same as the prophecy they sharedwith us,” Alderheart told him. “It’s a new message.”

Willowshine met the ThunderClan leader’s gaze. “Ihad a vision of a six-toed cat. StarClan told me that tofend off the storm, we will need an extra claw.”

Bramblestar’s gaze narrowed.At last! Relief washed Alderheart’s pelt. His father

finally seemed interested in the prophecy.“Do you know what it means?” Bramblestar

looked from Willowshine to Alderheart.“I was thinking maybe the claws could mean

Clans,” Alderheart said tentatively. “Five claws . . .five Clans.”

Bramblestar looked into the distance and flickedhis tail, agitated. “So it means another Clan? A sixthClan?”

“It could mean StarClan,” Alderheart told him.Willowshine shook her head. “That’s not what it

felt like in the vision,” she mewed. “I think the cat Isaw is a real cat. I think we have to find it.”

Alderheart turned to her. “Are you sure it’s that

simple?”Willowshine blinked at him. “Perhaps not . . . but

we must start somewhere.”“Well, assuming it is a cat, do you know what the

cat looks like?” Bramblestar asked.“Only that it has six toes on its hind paw. I don’t

even know if it’s a tom or a she-cat.” Willowshinedipped her head. “I wish I could tell you more.”

“It was good of you to come and share this much,”Bramblestar meowed. “I’ll certainly keep thinking.”

Alderheart shifted his paws impatiently. “If it is areal cat . . . do we know any six-toed cats in theClans?”

Willowshine shook her head, and Bramblestartipped his head to one side thoughtfully. “None that Ican think of,” he meowed.

Alderheart sighed and nodded. “There’s one wayto find out,” he mewed. “Can we travel to the otherClans?”

“Now?” Bramblestar blinked.“Yes.”“You should have an escort.” The ThunderClan

leader glanced around the camp. Dovewing had left.

Only Graystripe, Millie, Blossomfall, and her kitsremained. “Can you wait until Brackenfur’s patrol getsback? They won’t be long.”

Willowshine’s tail twitched nervously. “I should getback to my camp. Mothwing will be worried.”

Alderheart glanced at her. He wanted Willowshineto share her vision with the other leaders. Theywouldn’t question it as much if they heard it from herdirectly. “If we leave straight away, we could visitShadowClan and SkyClan before sunhigh—it won’ttake long.” It would be a start. They could make thelonger trip to WindClan another day.

Willowshine shifted her paws. “All right, but we’llhave to hurry.”

Alderheart nodded and stared straight at his father.“We’re medicine cats. We don’t need an escort.”

Bramblestar dipped his head. “All right, but becareful.”

As Alderheart turned to head down the rocks, heremembered Jayfeather. “Share the news withJayfeather!” he called over his shoulder. “Tell him I’lltalk to him when I get back.” He knew Jayfeatherwould be angry that Alderheart had acted without him,

but there wasn’t time to guide a cantankerous blind catthrough the woods.

Willowshine raced beside him as he headed out ofcamp. Together they burst into the woods and ran forthe border. Alderheart slid into the lead, showingWillowshine the way as they crossed SkyClan territoryand headed toward Leafstar’s camp.

They arrived, panting, and burst through the ferntunnel.

Leafstar looked up from the mouse she wassharing with Macgyver and got to her paws, her eyesround with worry. “Has something happened?” sheasked, eying their ruffled pelts.

“Willowshine had a vision.” Alderheart noddedtoward the RiverClan medicine cat as he struggled tocatch his breath.

“I saw a six-toed cat,” Willowshine puffed.Leafstar blinked at her. “Where?”“In my vision.” Willowshine took a long gulp of air.

“StarClan told me that we will need an extra claw tofend off the storm. They want us to find a six-toedcat.”

“Do you know any?” Alderheart urged. “Have

there ever been any six-toed cats in SkyClan?”Perhaps Hawkwing’s patrol would bring back an oldClanmate with six toes.

Leafstar shook her head. “We’ve never had a six-toed cat.”

Macgyver padded to join them, still chewing.“Have we counted the toes on Tinycloud’s kits?”

“She’d have told us by now.” Leafstar gazed atAlderheart. “Are there any six-toed cats in the otherClans?”

“Not that we know of.”“At least we know that there is a way to fend off

the storm.” The SkyClan leader looked relieved.“If it really is a cat.” Alderheart didn’t want her to

think their troubles were over. “And we can find thecat.”

Leafstar turned back to her mouse. “I’m sure we’llfigure it out,” she mewed, settling down beside it.

Macgyver swished his tail. “StarClan is watchingover us. They’ll help you find the cat you’re lookingfor.”

As he turned away, Alderheart sighed and glancedat Willowshine.

She met his gaze. “Don’t they care?” shewhispered.

Alderheart headed out of the camp. “PerhapsSkyClan’s ancestors never sent prophecies. Maybetheir StarClan solved SkyClan’s problems themselvesinstead of warning them.” He headed toward theShadowClan border, his pelt ruffled. At leastRowanstar would understand that beside the lake,StarClan didn’t have the power to save anyone. Theycan only guide our paws.

At the ShadowClan border, they met Juniperclawand Ratscar. Alderheart had been surprised to see anelder patrolling but, as Juniperclaw had explained, withso few Clanmates left, every cat must help. AndRatscar had seemed happy with his duties. “I’m old,”he had told them. “But I’m not dead yet.”

Now they faced Rowanstar at the head of theShadowClan clearing. Beside him, Puddleshine listenedeagerly. Juniperclaw and Ratscar waited at theentrance. Scorchfur, Grassheart, and Stonewingwatched from the edge of the camp as Whorlpaw andFlowerpaw shifted nervously nearby. Tawnypelt stoodbeside the wide, flat rock beside Rowanstar’s den

while Tigerheart hung back in the shadows. The darktabby’s eyes narrowed with interest as Willowshinetold Rowanstar her vision.

“We will need an extra claw.” The ShadowClanleader repeated her words thoughtfully.

“Do you know any cats with six toes?” Alderheartasked.

“Not in ShadowClan,” Rowanstar answered.“One of the rogues, perhaps?” Alderheart pressed.Willowshine shuddered beside him.Scorchfur growled from the edge of the clearing.

“Why would a rogue help us fend off a storm?”Willowshine flashed a look at the ragged-eared

warrior. “You once thought rogues would solve all yourproblems.” There was bitterness in her mew.

Alderheart flicked his tail. “We need to lookforward, not backward,” he mewed quickly. “If wecan find this cat, then everything will be okay.”

“We should send out a search party,” Grassheartmeowed.

“Perhaps we should look in Twolegplace,”Stonewing suggested. “Maybe there’s a kittypet withsix toes.”

“A kittypet!” Juniperclaw snorted scornfully.Scorchfur’s ears flattened. “How can we send out

a search party? We have barely enough cats to patrolour borders.”

“The SkyClan border can’t be left unguarded,”Rowanstar agreed.

Alderheart prickled with frustration. “SkyClan isnot your enemy. They are your allies. Wasn’t that whatLeafstar said when you gave her the land?” He lookedat Tigerheart, hoping the ShadowClan deputy wouldspeak up. He wanted support. If there really was asix-toed cat, it must be found.

But Tigerheart only watched as Rowanstar shiftedhis paws.

“Leafstar did promise us friendship,” theShadowClan leader conceded.

Scorchfur glared at him. “And you believed her!”he mocked.

“It was Tigerheart’s idea,” Rowanstar remindedhim.

“‘It was Tigerheart’s idea.’” Scorchfur mimickedhis leader as though teasing a kit. “When was the lasttime you had an idea of your own?”

Alderheart’s belly tightened.“I’d like to see you try to lead a Clan!” Rowanstar

snapped. “Perhaps you could use the skills you learnedfrom Darktail.”

“At least he knew how to lead!”Tawnypelt glared at Scorchfur. “You betrayed your

Clan. Now you insult your leader? Show him somerespect!”

“He’s done nothing to earn it,” Scorchfur spatback. “If he’d chased Darktail off in the first place,none of us would have followed those rogues. Insteadhe let them hunt on our land, while our apprenticesgrew arrogant and reckless. He couldn’t manage tostop any of it.”

“Whatever his mistakes, he still has the blessing ofStarClan!” Tawnypelt hissed.

Grassheart and Stonewing exchanged glances.Whorlpaw and Flowerpaw stared at the grounduncomfortably. Alderheart felt his belly churning as theair seemed to sour around him.

Ratscar padded forward. “We must stay united,”he rasped. “I know we have had our differences, butAlderheart is right. We must look forward, not back.

There are so few of us left. If we are to remain aClan, we must work together.”

Grassheart whisked her tail. “Let’s send out asearch party and find this six-toed cat. Then we won’thave to face any more storms.”

“ThunderClan can send out search parties!”Juniperclaw called.

“Or WindClan,” Stonewing chimed. “They’ve gotnothing better to do.”

Scorchfur glared challengingly at Rowanstar.“So?” he snarled. “What should we do?”

Alderheart saw hesitation in the ShadowClanleader’s gaze. He’s not sure. The thought shockedhim. Bramblestar always knew what to do, even if itmeant doing nothing. “I must do what’s right for theClan,” Rowanstar meowed at last.

“Isn’t it a bit late for that?” Scorchfur curled hislip.

Tawnypelt darted forward, facing the dark graytom. “Rowanstar has always done what’s best for thisClan!”

Scorchfur scanned the half-empty camp, contemptin his eyes. “So we have Rowanstar to thank for the

state we’re in?”“Do you think you could have done any better?”

Tawnypelt hissed. “You blame Rowanstar. But it washis Clanmates’ disloyalty that killed them. If ourapprentices grew arrogant, blame their mentors, nothim. He cared about ShadowClan when none of youdid. Rowanstar still wakes in the night, haunted bynightmares about the Clanmates he’s lost.”

Scorchfur flattened his ears. “He’s lucky. He hasnine lives to dream about lost Clanmates. They onlyhad one.”

“That’s not fair!” Puddleshine blinked anxiously atRowanstar. “You can’t let him say that. StarClan gaveyou those lives because they believed in you.”

Scorchfur’s eyes narrowed to slits. “They believedin him once. Perhaps Rowanstar is the dark skythey’re trying to warn us about.”

Tawnypelt’s green eyes glittered. “If anyone’s thedark sky, it’s you!” Her gaze flicked angrily around herClanmates. “You let the rogues take over the Clan.You let them drive Rowanstar away. Don’t blame himfor your treachery.”

“And why do you think we chose a rogue over

Rowanstar?” Scorchfur lashed his tail. “He was aweak leader then, and he’s a weak leader now.”

Tawnypelt’s fur bristled. Spitting with fury, shelashed out at Scorchfur, slicing her claws across hismuzzle.

Alderheart backed away, his pelt bushing. Whatwas happening here? Clanmates shouldn’t fight.

Scorchfur reared and slammed his paws ontoTawnypelt’s shoulders. Hooking his claws in, he pulledher to the ground. She flipped over and, tucking up herhind legs, clawed viciously at his belly.

He struggled free and turned on her. Face to face,they snarled at each other. With a hiss, Scorchfurlashed out, raking Tawnypelt’s eye with his claws.

Alderheart froze as she lurched away.ShadowClan gasped around him. What was Scorchfurdoing? No warrior should ever attack anotherwarrior’s eyes! Tawnypelt shook her head, blinking.With a rush of relief, Alderheart saw that Scorchfur’sclaws had only sliced her cheek. Her eyes shone,unharmed. She’d been lucky.

She showed her teeth, hatred twisting her face, asshe advanced on Scorchfur. “You’re no better than a

rogue.”“Stop!” Tigerheart moved at last. Fast as a fox, he

crossed the clearing and pushed between the twowarriors.

Rowanstar stared, his gaze stricken with shock.“We mustn’t fight.”

Alderheart backed away from the bristling cats.It’s not safe here. No one’s in control. He nudgedWillowshine toward the camp entrance. Puddleshine’slight blue eyes were round with shock. He gazedimploringly at Alderheart.

There nothing I can do. Guilt squeezedAlderheart’s belly. He retreated through the entrance,beckoning Willowshine after him.

“Poor Puddleshine,” Willowshine mewed as theyhurried away from the camp. “Should we havestayed?”

“It’s not our fight,” he told her. And I didn’t wantto put you in danger. “I think ShadowClan needs tobe alone to sort out their differences.” Alderheartpadded quickly over the needle-strewn earth.ShadowClan seemed more like a group of rogues thana Clan. Fear hollowed his belly. What if they can’t

recover from all that has happened to them? Whatif they aren’t strong enough to remain a Clan?

CHAPTER 12

The gorge was smaller than Violetpaw had imagined.Its sandy walls glowed yellow in the evening sun, butits depths were swathed in purple shadow. The scentof water mingled with the fragrant tang of the scrubbybushes that clung to the sides of the narrow canyon.

Beside her, Hawkwing stood as still as a rock.Blossomheart, Rabbitleap, and Molewhisker flankedthem, their pelts dusty from the journey.

Hawkwing’s gaze was fixed on the ravine he’dcalled home for so long. “Listen.”

Violetpaw pricked her ears, wondering what shewas meant to be listening to.

“Can you hear it?” Hawkwing’s words werehardly more than a breath.

“What?” Molewhisker blinked at him.Blossomheart’s eyes shone. “The stream.”Violetpaw leaned forward. Through the soft

whisper of the wind, she could hear a stream echoingfar below.

Hawkwing looked at her, his yellow eyes clouded.

“That sound will always remind me of home.”For the first time, Violetpaw felt distance between

them. He’d seen so much that she’d not shared. Shehoped that, one day, the sound of the stream in theirnew home would touch him the same way.

He padded to the edge, his paws showering gritinto the gorge. Violetpaw could see by the stiff way heheld his tail that he was anxious. She could understandwhy. Although she didn’t know every detail of thestory, she knew that the rogues had driven SkyClanfrom their home many moons ago. Some cats, unableor unwilling to make the long journey in search of theother Clans, had stayed nearby. Hawkwing was hopingthat some of them would have returned to the gorge.

Paw steps scuffed the ground behind them.Violetpaw spun around. Two young cats raced

toward them, ears flat, teeth showing. One was ablack-and-white she-cat; the other a tan tom. Shebacked up against Hawkwing, her heart lurching.

The she-cat skidded to a halt in front of the patroland glared at Molewhisker. “What are you doinghere?”

“This is our land!” The tom stopped beside her and

hissed.Molewhisker glanced coolly at Hawkwing. He was

clearly unruffled by the two young cats. They werehardly bigger than Violetpaw. They were certainly nomatch for warriors. “Are these your Clanmates?” theThunderClan warrior asked Hawkwing.

Hawkwing shrugged. “I’ve never seen thembefore.”

The black-and-white she-cat bristled. “I don’tknow who you are, but get off our territory!” Heramber eyes flashed with hostility.

Violetpaw admired her courage. “We’re lookingfor our Clanmates.”

The she-cat’s gaze snapped to her. “Then you’relooking in the wrong Clan,” she snarled.

“Palepaw!” A meow sounded behind the she-cat.A black-and-white tom padded from the gorse andflicked his tail. “We should welcome our friends.”

“They’re not friends.” The tan tom curled his lips.“They’re probably rogues. We should drive themaway.”

“You’re not driving anyone away, Gravelpaw.” Theblack-and-white tom padded closer, his eyes glowing.

Violetpaw heard her father’s breath quicken.“Fidgetpaw!” Hawkwing sounded like he could

hardly believe his eyes.Fidgetpaw whisked his tail. “Hawkwing!” He

broke into a run.Palepaw frowned angrily. “Do you know these

cats?”Fidgetpaw pushed past her. “Of course I know

them. They’re SkyClan cats. Hawkwing’s father wasSharpclaw.”

“Sharpclaw?” Gravelpaw sounded surprised. “Theold deputy?”

Fidgetpaw didn’t reply. He was staring happily atHawkwing. “You came. I dreamed you would. I’vebeen waiting for days.” He turned to Blossomheartand Rabbitleap. “It’s great to see you all.”

Hawkwing thrust his muzzle against Fidgetpaw’scheek, purring loudly. “You escaped!”

Fidgetpaw joined the purring as Blossomheart andRabbitleap wound around him. “Of course I escaped.You didn’t think Twolegs could hold me for long, didyou?”

“I’m so sorry we couldn’t save you.” Emotion

thickened Hawkwing’s mew. Violetpaw heard guiltthere. “There was nothing we could do.”

Fidgetpaw blinked at him. “I know,” he mewedsolemnly. “It’s okay.”

Hawkwing’s stiffness seemed to soften as thougha weight had been lifted from him. He glanced atVioletpaw. “Twolegs caught Fidgetpaw and took himaway,” he explained. “I thought I’d never see himagain. He was SkyClan’s medicine-cat apprentice.”

Paws scrabbled below them. Violetpaw turned,ears twitching, as a gray tabby she-cat and a palebrown tom climbed out of the gorge and gasped, theireyes landing on Hawkwing. Two young cats—oneblack, one brown—jumped up behind them.

“Is it really you?” asked the pale brown tom.Palepaw blinked at them. “We thought these cats

were intruders.” She puffed out her chest. “ButFidgetpaw won’t let us drive them off.”

“He says they’re SkyClan cats,” Gravelpawgrunted.

“They are indeed,” whispered the gray tabby she-cat, moving forward. “Blossomheart! Hawkwing!”

Hawkwing dipped his head to the she-cat.

“Mintfur.” His eyes shone in the dying sunlight. “It’sgood to see you.”

Mintfur nodded, seeming to try to compose herself,as Blossomheart blinked happily at the pale brown tom.“You look well, Nettlesplash.”

“So do you.” Nettlesplash beckoned the two youngcats forward with his tail. “These are our kits,Nectarpaw and Fringepaw.” He nodded to Palepawand Gravelpaw. “It looks like you’ve already met therest of our litter.”

Mintfur paced around Hawkwing’s patrol. Shestopped beside Molewhisker, her nose twitching. “Andyou are? Your scent is strange.”

Molewhisker nodded politely. “I’m ThunderClan,”he explained. “I came to show them the way.”

“And who’s this?” Nettlesplash blinked kindly atVioletpaw.

Violetpaw moved closer to Hawkwing, feelingsuddenly shy. “I’m Violetpaw.”

“She’s my kit.” Hawkwing licked her head. “Ihave another kit too, Twigpaw. She stayed beside thelake.”

Mintfur lifted her tail. “Where’s Pebble—”

Violetpaw interrupted her. “Pebbleshine died whenTwigpaw and I were kits,” she mewed quickly. Shewanted to save Hawkwing from having to tell the storyagain.

“I’m sorry.” Mintfur locked gazes with Hawkwing,compassion filling her round, blue eyes. “We have alllost so much. But to lose someone so precious must behard.”

Violetpaw’s throat tightened with emotion asHawkwing answered.

“It was. But in losing Pebbleshine, I found my kitsand a new home.”

“Have you traveled far?” Nettlesplash seemedeager to move the conversation on.

“We’ve walked for a quarter moon,” Hawkwingtold him.

“You must be tired,” Nettlesplash meowed. “Comeand rest in the gorge. The fresh-kill pile is full.”

Violetpaw followed her father as the gorge cats ledthem down a steep trail that wound down the side ofthe narrow canyon. She shivered as they padded fromevening sunlight into violet shadow. But as the trailreached the bottom, Nettlesplash headed along the

stream and showed the way into a sheltered hollowbeside it, where the stone still held the day’s warmth.Spiky bushes jutted from the cliffs above it, shieldingthe space from the chilly evening air. A pile of prey layat one end.

“This is where we sleep now,” Mintfur told them.Hawkwing looked up at holes in the sides of the

gorge. “Don’t you use the caves?” he asked insurprise.

“There are so few of us left.” Mintfur watched herkits follow Rabbitleap, Blossomheart, and Molewhiskerinto the hollow.

Fidgetpaw padded in last. “It feels safer to staytogether. We post a guard while we sleep,” he mewed.

“Foxes come at night,” Gravelpaw added.Violetpaw tried to imagine how the gorge had been

when it was home to a whole Clan. She imagined catspatrolling the top and slipping in and out of the cavesand following the narrow paths around its sides. Wherehad Hawkwing slept when he was an apprentice? Shepictured him practicing battle moves beside the stream.It would have been a fun place to grow up. She wishedTwigpaw were here to see it.

Hawkwing was gazing around the stone walls; shewondered if he was remembering. He blinked atMintfur. “Why have you stayed?”

“Where else could we go?” she answered.Fidgetpaw padded forward. “We wanted to rebuild

the Clan, but surviving with so few warriors is hard.”Mintfur and Nettlesplash exchanged glances. “And

it’s difficult to trust new cats,” Nettlesplash admitted.“After Darktail.”

Violetpaw glanced at her father. They’re notrebuilding SkyClan here, are they? They’resupposed to come back with us! But Hawkwingwasn’t looking at her as he padded around the hollow,mouth open as though breathing in old scents.“Darktail’s dead,” he mewed.

Mintfur’s eyes flashed maliciously. “Good.”“And his rogues?” Nettlesplash narrowed his eyes.“The Clans chased them off.” Rabbitleap bent to

smell the fresh-kill pile. A thrush lay on top.Fidgetpaw hurried to his side. “Help yourself.” He

spread the prey out with his paw and stepped back tolet the patrol choose from it.

Violetpaw glanced at Hawkwing. Her belly was

hollow with hunger, but she didn’t want to steal preyfrom this tiny Clan. It might have taken them all day tofill the pile.

Hawkwing nodded her forward. “Take what youlike. We can help restock the pile tomorrow.”

“There’s plenty of prey around here.” Fidgetpawseemed to guess her reluctance. “It’s flourishing withso few cats to hunt it.”

The gorge cats hung back politely while theirvisitors took a piece of prey each, waiting for them tosettle before choosing food for themselves.

Violetpaw sat beside Hawkwing and took a bitefrom a soft, juicy mouse. It was sweet, ripened byleaf-fall, and she relished the flavor on her tongue.Pleasure warmed her belly. They had made it to thegorge and found Clanmates. But would these catsreturn to the lake with them? She swallowed andlicked her lips. “When are you going to ask them?” shemurmured to Hawkwing as she took another mouthful.

“Ask us what?” Palepaw looked up from the robinshe was eating, her ears twitching.

The other gorge cats paused and stared atVioletpaw. She froze, the mouse turning dry on her

tongue, and wished she’d never spoken.Hawkwing wrapped his tail around her. “We came

to ask you to return to the lake with us. We’ve foundthe other Clans, and we have territory. The land isgood. There is prey and shelter, and the other Clanssay that Twolegs come in summer, but they don’tdisturb our camps.”

The gorge cats looked at each other.Gravelpaw blinked. “We can’t leave the gorge,” he

mewed. “It’s our home.”Mintfur looked thoughtful. “Our home is with

SkyClan.”“We are SkyClan,” Palepaw pointed out.“We are,” Nettlesplash agreed. “But our leader

and deputy are not with us.”“Then they should come here,” Palepaw mewed.Fidgetpaw peered out of the small hollow, his gaze

following the stream as it flowed along the gorge. “Ithink StarClan would want us to be with the otherClans,” he meowed softly. “They led Leafstar andHawkwing to the lake for a reason. I think we shouldgo with them. The gorge will never be what it oncewas to us.” He looked from Mintfur to Nettlesplash.

“It might be good to leave the bad memoriesbehind us,” Nettlesplash agreed.

Mintfur’s pelt ruffled. She looked at Fidgetpaw.“What about Frecklewish?”

Fidgetpaw dropped his gaze.“We can’t abandon her!” Mintfur stared at him,

her pelt twitching.Hawkwing scrambled to his paws. “You know

where she is?” He sounded amazed. “She’s beenmissing for so long, I thought she was dead.”

Fidgetpaw looked up, his eyes glittering in the half-light. “Twolegs took her,” he meowed darkly. “They’reholding her captive.”

“Where?”Violetpaw heard excitement in her father’s mew.Nettlesplash turned his vole over and took a bite.

“Rest tonight, and in the morning we’ll show you.”

Violetpaw gazed out from the woods. Ahead, theforest opened onto stone where a huge Twoleg denrose into the sky. Violetpaw’s neck ached from craningto see the top. “It must touch the clouds,” shewhispered breathlessly.

Blossomheart and Hawkwing flanked her.

Rabbitleap, Nettlesplash, and Mintfur clustered besidethem while Palepaw and Gravelpaw hung back in theshade of the trees with Fringepaw and Nectarpaw.

Fidgetpaw padded from the forest, his black-and-white fur glossy in the early morning light. Monstersslumbered on the stone at the far side of the nest. “It’sfull of Twolegs.” His mew was tight with fear. “We’veseen them come and go.”

Violetpaw’s pelt prickled anxiously. “It’s like acamp.”

“Full of nests,” Blossomheart breathed.“It’s more like a beehive,” Mintfur growled.“Why do they want to live so high in the air?”

Bellaleaf asked. “They can’t fly.”Fidgetpaw shrugged. “Perhaps it’s so they can see

if danger’s coming.”“Why do Twolegs need to look out for danger?”

Blossomheart grunted. “They cause most of it.”Hawkwing padded to Fidgetpaw’s side. “Is

Frecklewish in there?”Fidgetpaw looked up to a row of shiny squares

near the top. “I’ve seen her through one of the clearwalls up there.” He nodded to the trees that grew

beside the great hive. Their tops reached just a littlehigher than Frecklewish’s prison. “From up there, Icould see her moving around inside.”

“You’ve climbed to the top?” Violetpaw gasped,her paws prickling with fear.

Fidgetpaw nodded. “One of the clear walls slidesopen sometimes, and she comes out onto the ledge.”Outside Frecklewish’s nest, a wide slab of stone juttedout, edged by a low wall. “But it’s too far to jump fromthe ledge to the tree.”

Violetpaw felt dizzy at the thought. The treestapered at the top, and the gap between the ledge andthe treetop was wider than any cat could jump. “If onlyshe were being held in a nest near the bottom.” There,the longer branches reached close to the camp walls.“She could make the jump easily.”

Gravelpaw edged forward. “Nettlesplash managedto sneak through the hive entrance once.”

“It’s like a rabbit warren in there. So many smellsand so many Twolegs coming and going.” Nettlesplashshuddered. “I didn’t find Frecklewish’s nest. I waslucky to find my way out.”

Violetpaw scanned the Twoleg hive, her gaze

sweeping the smooth walls from the great slab of stonesticking outside Frecklewish’s nest to the ground. Thetrees weren’t the answer. There had to be anotherway down. To one side she saw other ledges, smallerthan Frecklewish’s. They clung to the side of the hugenest, one under another, from the roof nearly to theground. They were woven from what looked like thin,black branches. Her pelt prickled with excitement asshe realized that each ledge was joined to the onebelow by a small stretch of steps. At the bottom, therewas a long drop to the ground, but the lowest branchesof a tree nearly touched the final ledge. If Frecklewishcould reach those ledges, she’d be able to use them asan escape. Heart quickening, Violetpaw looked back atFrecklewish’s nest. The stone slab was several tail-lengths from the closest woven ledge. Violetpaw’sbreath caught in her throat. Could Frecklewish makethe jump? The drop to the ground would be deadly. Butit might be Frecklewish’s only chance for escape.

She nudged Hawkwing’s shoulder with her nose.“I’m not sure,” she whispered. “But I think I have anidea.”

CHAPTER 13

The blustery wind threatened rain. Twigpaw glancedanxiously at the swishing branches above the camp.

Finpaw nudged her. “Don’t worry,” he mewed.“You’re safe with me. There’s no way StarClan wouldlet another branch drop on me.”

They had the clearing to themselves. Leafstar wasin her den. Tinycloud had taken her kits to the shelterof the nursery. Plumwillow, Harrybrook, andSandynose were all hunting. Dewpaw was trainingwith Macgyver in the forest, while Leafpool had takenFallowfern to collect herbs.

Twigpaw had asked to stay in camp. “Finpawneeds company.”

Sandynose had looked unconvinced, but Finpawhad begged and Leafstar had agreed. “Apprenticeslearn more together than alone,” she had said.Sandynose had frowned but hadn’t argued with theSkyClan leader.

Now Finpaw batted a moss ball toward her.Twigpaw caught it distractedly. “I hope Violetpaw

and Hawkwing are staying dry and warm.” They’dbeen gone a quarter moon.

“They’ll be fine.” Finpaw hooked the moss ballfrom her.

She blinked at him. “What if they’re not?”“What if they’re having a great time?” He flipped

the ball into the air and swiped at it, missing. “Are youworried you’ll have nothing to worry about?”

“No.” She nudged him, pretending to be indignant.“Aren’t I allowed to worry about my kin?”

“Not when there’s nothing you can do to helpthem.”

Twigpaw reached out and knocked the moss ballaway from him. “Don’t be such a smart-ears.” A newscent touched her nose. She recognized it at once.“ShadowClan!”

“Where?” As Finpaw looked around, the fernentrance quivered and Juniperclaw strode into camp.

Fallowfern hurried after him. “You can’t just walkinto our camp!”

“Really?” Juniperclaw turned on her, pelt bristling.“But you can invade our territory?”

Fallowfern stared at him blankly.

Leafstar shot out of her den in the hollow cedarand slithered down the roots. She crossed the clearingand stood between Fallowfern and Juniperclaw. “Shecan’t hear you,” she told the ShadowClan warrior.

“Is that why she doesn’t know that you don’t justwander onto another Clan’s land and steal theirherbs?”

Fallowfern tipped her head. “Did I do somethingwrong?”

“No.” Leafstar shooed her away gently with a nodof her head. “I’ll take care of it.”

Fallowfern moved away, her eyes glitteringanxiously. “I’m sorry, Leafstar.”

Juniperclaw lashed his tail. “Aren’t you going topunish her?”

“Why?”“She crossed our border!” Juniperclaw spluttered

with outrage. “When I tell Rowanstar, he’ll befurious.”

“Then don’t tell him.” Leafstar sat down.“Is this how SkyClan acts like our ally?”

Juniperclaw growled. “We gave you some of our land,not all of it.”

“She probably didn’t smell your scent line,”Leafstar meowed.

“She’s deaf, not stupid!” Juniperclaw’s earstwitched angrily.

“ShadowClan hasn’t exactly been marking theirborders regularly!” Leafstar snapped back.

Juniperclaw glared at her.Leafstar took a breath. “I’m sorry it happened,”

she apologized. “We’re still getting used to our newhome.”

As she spoke, Leafpool padded quickly into camp,a bundle of herbs in her jaws. She dropped them andhurried to Leafstar’s side. “Is Fallowfern okay? I sawher following Juniperclaw. She looked worried.” Sheglanced at the ShadowClan tom. “Why’s he here?”

“I caught that fleabag stealing our herbs!”Juniperclaw snarled.

Leafpool looked distraught. “That’s my fault. I’mnot used to the new borders. I probably sent her to thewrong herb patch.”

Juniperclaw rolled his eyes. “What sort of Clan isthis? You have a borrowed medicine cat who knowseven less about your territory than you do.” He looked

around the camp. “Where is every cat?”“Busy.” Leafstar straightened defensively.

Twigpaw guessed that she didn’t want to admit thatthe Clan was so small right now that even one huntingpatrol left the camp empty.

“When they stop being busy”—the black tomcurled his lip—“tell them to pay more attention to theirborders. We will shred the next SkyClan cat we findon our territory.” He stormed off.

“Sorry.” Leafpool shook her head and turned toLeafstar. “I should have been more careful.”

“It’s okay,” Leafstar assured her. “The bordersprobably weren’t properly marked. ShadowClan is justas short on warriors as we are.”

“They’d never admit it,” Leafpool grunted.“Nor would we,” Leafstar pointed out. “But we

don’t try to make up for it by throwing our weightaround like a troop of badgers.”

Twigpaw poked the moss ball nervously. Bordertension was never a good sign. Was ShadowClanbeginning to regret giving some of their land toSkyClan? Would they ask for it back?

As Leafpool walked toward Fallowfern, her eyes

filled with remorse, Leafstar headed back to her den.The SkyClan leader glanced at Twigpaw and

Finpaw as she passed them. “Why don’t you twomake yourselves useful?” she mewed crossly.

“How?” Twigpaw blinked at her.“Clear out the warriors’ den.” Leafstar lashed her

tail.Twigpaw dipped her head. “Okay.”As Leafstar padded to her den, Finpaw screwed

up his nose. “Why should we clean out dens?” hemuttered. “We’re here because of my tail, not becausewe’re in trouble.”

“Some cat’s got to clean them,” Twigpaw pointedout.

“Let the warriors clear up their own mess.”Finpaw jerked his muzzle toward the camp entrance.“We should have fun. Let’s go find another frog forDewpaw’s nest.”

Twigpaw’s whiskers twitched with amusement asshe remembered how Dewpaw had shot out of hisnest when the frog had wriggled beneath his bedding.She glanced at Finpaw out of the corner of her eye.His mischievousness was infectious. “Let’s find a

hedgehog!”“How would we get a hedgehog back to camp?”“We could lay a trail of worms for it to follow.”Finpaw’s eyes brightened. “Great idea!” He

headed for the entrance.“I was joking!” Twigpaw hurried after him.“I know.” He paused at the entrance while

Leafpool and Fallowfern disappeared into the medicineden. “But we can clean out dens later, while everyoneelse is showing off their catch or reminiscing about thegorge.” Winking at her, he scampered out of camp.

Twigpaw followed. “I guess we could hunt,” shesuggested. They could share their catch with theirClanmates. And it would be great to hunt withoutSandynose for a change. He was always criticizingwhere she put her paws or how she killed her catch. “Iknow a great place for mice.”

Without waiting for an answer, she headed towhere one of ShadowClan’s ditches ran onto SkyClanland. Wind whirled through the canopy and whippedthrough her pelt. She smelled the musty flavors of leaf-fall, her heart pricking as she rememberedThunderClan’s forest. Leaves would be fluttering

down like snow there, lining the paths and choking theferns. Here the pines stood green and straight,heedless of the changing season.

“Mouse dung!” Finpaw cursed behind her. Sheglanced back and saw him stagger as he followed herover an uneven stretch of ground. His stubby tailflicked back and forth wildly as he tried to steadyhimself.

Twigpaw slowed down and let him catch up to her.“You’ll get used to your tail eventually.”

He glanced at her. “But I’ll never be a normal catagain.”

“Who wants to be normal?” she mewed lightly.As the trees thinned, she saw the ditch. She could

smell mouse already. She stopped at the edge andpeered in. Weeds sprouted from the sides, and beneaththeir shriveling leaves she saw movement. “Quick! Getdown.” She dropped into a crouch.

Finpaw squatted beside her. “Prey?”“It’s a mouse.” Twigpaw could hear it pattering

over the pine needles at the bottom of the ditch. Sheflicked his haunches with her tail-tip. “You can havethe first catch.”

Finpaw edged forward and peeked into the ditch.His hindquarters quivered with excitement. Hebunched his paws tightly beneath him and held hisbreath. Twigpaw could sense he was about to pouncebut, as his stubby tail swept the forest floor, hewobbled. His hind paw shot out to stop himselftoppling. Pine needles sprayed the ditch. The mousedarted away.

Finpaw lunged after it, slapping his front pawsdown hard. But the mouse skittered free as hestaggered and thumped clumsily against the side of theditch.

Twigpaw saw his hackles lift. He was angry withhimself.

“I’m never going to be able to hunt!” He turned onher, eyes flashing. “I’m going to be the worst warriorever.”

Twigpaw’s heart twisted. Poor Finpaw! But shehid her pity. “You will if you think like that,” shemewed sharply. “You can be as good or as bad as youwant to be.”

“How can I ever be any good when my tail throwsme off balance all the time?”

“You’ll just have to train harder,” Twigpaw toldhim. “Feeling sorry for yourself won’t make your tailgrow back.”

Finpaw stared at her, emotion welling in his eyes.“You can do it,” she urged. “You can be the best

warrior in SkyClan if you practice.”He blinked. “Do you really think so?”“Of course I do! You’re clever and determined and

so full of energy. Why wouldn’t you be a brilliantwarrior?”

Finpaw’s fur smoothed and he lifted his chin. “Ican do anything I want.”

“Yes!” Twigpaw purred, pleased to see him lookinghappier.

“Twigpaw!” Leafpool’s mew rang through theforest. “Finpaw!”

Twigpaw’s heart fell. They’d been discovered. Sheglanced guiltily at Finpaw, then turned to faceLeafpool.

The ThunderClan medicine cat was hurryingtoward them, swerving between the trees. “What areyou two doing out here?” Her voice was hushed, asthough she was worried about being overheard. “Get

back to camp. Sandynose will be back soon andwondering where Finpaw is. You know how annoyedhe was the last time you sneaked out.”

“Why does he care?” Twigpaw bristled withannoyance. “You’d think he’d want Finpaw to betraining instead of hanging around camp all the time.”

“He’s worried about him,” Leafpool told her.Finpaw hopped out of the ditch. “I wish he’d find

something else to worry about.”“Until he does, you’d better do as you’re told.”

Leafpool whisked her tail. “Didn’t Leafstar ask you toclean out the warriors’ den?”

Twigpaw’s tail drooped. “But I’ve been doingapprentice duties for moons!”

“I’ll do it.” Finpaw padded to her side. “You’vespent enough time in camp with me. You should havesome fun.”

Twigpaw had been looking forward to a chance tohunt without Sandynose. “But what about you?”

“I can have fun later.”Leafpool nosed Finpaw toward the camp. “Once

the warriors’ den is clean,” she mewed briskly. “Thesooner you get the forest smell off your fur, the better.

That’s how Sandynose caught you last time.”Finpaw glanced back at Twigpaw as Leafpool

hurried him away.She watched him go sadly. Hunting would have

been more fun with Finpaw. She shook out her fur.There was no point being miserable. One day, she andFinpaw would both be warriors and they could hunttogether whenever they liked. Even Sandynosewouldn’t be able to stop them then.

Why was Sandynose such an old badger? Hedidn’t like anything she did. He’d probably frown if shebrought him a mouse.

Small paws skittered over the forest floor.Excitement sparked beneath Twigpaw’s pelt as asquirrel jumped the ditch and shot toward theThunderClan border.

Twigpaw hared after it. She skimmed the forestfloor, zigzagging between the pines. The squirrel wasfast, but so was Twigpaw. And the wind was on herside. Her scent streamed out behind her, and theswishing treetops disguised the sound of her pawsteps. As the squirrel neared the ThunderClan border,she ran harder. She was closing on it. As it raced

across the border, she leaped. Stretching out her frontpaws, she sailed across the scent line.

Silver fur flashed in front of her face. With a yelp,she crashed into the muscly flank of another cat. Shestaggered backward and regained her balance.Catching her breath, she blinked at the cat she’dcollided with. “Ivypool!”

Her mentor shook out her fur and glanced glumlyat the squirrel as it leaped for the trunk of an oak andswarmed up into the branches.

“I’m sorry,” Twigpaw panted. “I chased it acrosshalf of SkyClan’s territory. I thought a few more tail-lengths wouldn’t matter.” She glanced apologetically atthe border behind her.

Ivypool eyed her warily. For a moment, Twigpawwondered if she recognized her.

“It’s me,” she mewed. “Twigpaw.”Ivypool flicked her tail. “I know,” she snapped.Wasn’t Ivypool pleased to see her? Twigpaw

wanted to tell the silver-and-white warrior how muchshe missed her, but Ivypool was acting strangely. “Iseverything okay?”

Ivypool scowled. “Yes. If okay means that the

apprentice I spent moons training decides that shedoesn’t want to become a ThunderClan warrior andleaves to join another Clan.”

Guilt clawed Twigpaw’s belly. “I had to,” shemewed. “I needed to be with Violetpaw andHawkwing.”

Ivypool sighed heavily. “I suppose,” she conceded.“But I miss you. And it feels strange to train a cat wholeaves to fight for another Clan.”

Twigpaw dipped her head. “I’ll always be gratefulfor what you taught me.”

Ivypool huffed. “Alderheart said you haven’tgotten your warrior name yet.”

“Leafstar wants me to do some SkyClan training.”“Isn’t ThunderClan training good enough?” Ivypool

sniffed.“Of course.” Twigpaw’s pelt prickled self-

consciously. “But SkyClan cats use different skills.”“There’s only so many ways to catch a mouse.”Twigpaw swallowed back a purr. “You sound like

Graystripe.”Ivypool caught her eye, her gaze warming. “I

guess I’m getting a little set in my ways.”

“No, you’re not,” Twigpaw reassured her. “How’sFernsong?”

“Fernsong’s great.” Ivypool purred. “He wantskits. He’s even offered to move into the nursery andraise them.”

“A tom in the nursery?” Twigpaw blinked at her. Itwasn’t something she’d ever considered before. “Iguess that could work. Fernsong would make a greatfather.”

“Yes.” Ivypool’s eyes shone.The affection in Ivypool’s gaze jolted a memory

from the back of Twigpaw’s mind. “How’sDovewing?” she asked warily.

“Why?” Ivypool narrowed her eyes suspiciously.Twigpaw’s belly tightened. Did Ivypool know about

her sister and Tigerheart’s secret meetings?“What are you hiding?” Ivypool padded closer.“Nothing.” Twigpaw stared at her paws.Ivypool’s stare burned her pelt. “I know you well

enough to see when something’s bothering you.”Twigpaw didn’t want to tell Ivypool what she

knew. But she couldn’t lie to her former mentor. “Isaw her,” she murmured softly.

“Where?” Ivypool flexed her claws.“Near the ShadowClan border.” Twigpaw avoided

Ivypool’s gaze, feeling as guilty as if she’d beenmeeting the ShadowClan deputy in secret. “She waswith Tigerheart.”

Ivypool didn’t respond.Twigpaw looked at her and saw worry spark in her

gaze.“I knew it!” The white-and-silver warrior suddenly

lashed her tail. “I knew she’d been up to something.Did you hear what they were saying?”

“I couldn’t really tell what they were talking about.Tigerheart was worried about ShadowClan,” Twigpawmumbled. She couldn’t tell Ivypool that the twowarriors were in love. “Dovewing seemed upset.”

A growl rumbled in Ivypool’s throat. “Upset? Whydoes she care what happens in ShadowClan? Herloyalty should be to us.”

Twigpaw squirmed beneath her pelt. “I’m sure itis.”

Ivypool glared at her. “Then why is she meetingTigerheart in secret?”

“I don’t know.” Twigpaw backed away. She was

shocked by the fury in Ivypool’s mew. Does she thinkmy loyalty should still be with ThunderClan? Shesearched the warrior’s gaze.

“I’m sorry.” Ivypool fluffed out her fur. “It’s notyour fault. I shouldn’t be angry with you.”

“I’m sorry I left ThunderClan,” Twigpaw blurted.Ivypool blinked at her. “I know it was a hard

decision to make.”“Are you worried Dovewing might switch Clans

too?”Ivypool looked away. “She’d never do that. She’s

fought too long and risked too much for ThunderClan.”A meow sounded between the oaks. “Ivypool!”“That’s Thornclaw,” Ivypool told her.“I know.” Twigpaw recognized the ThunderClan

tom’s mew with a pang.“I’d better go.” Ivypool dipped her head. “You

should head back to your own territory.”Twigpaw followed Ivypool’s gaze toward the

SkyClan border. Part of her wished she were returningto the ThunderClan camp. But then she’d miss Finpaw.With a sigh, she turned and crossed back over thescent line. “Take care!” she called to Ivypool.

“You too.” Ivypool headed away.As the undergrowth swallowed her, Twigpaw’s

heart felt heavy. She missed her mentor. She missedThunderClan. And she wished she hadn’t been the oneto share the news about Dovewing. She felt a suddenspark of sympathy for Dovewing. It must be hardhaving feelings for a cat in another Clan. What ifsomeone tried to stop her from seeing Finpaw? Shetried to imagine how she’d feel if she were still inThunderClan and could only meet with him in secret.She shuddered. I wouldn’t like it. I wouldn’t like itone bit!

CHAPTER 14

Clouds filled in the sky, as gray as doves. Alderheartfluffed out his fur against the damp chill. The air tastedof rain. The fine leaf-fall days were giving way todarker weather.

He glanced at the forest closing behind him,wondering how far he’d traveled. ShadowClan scentsstill emanated from the pines beside him. Surely hemust be nearing RiverClan by now? He’d beenwalking since the sun had risen above the camp,skirting SkyClan territory, and then ShadowClanterritory, hoping no cat would spot him as he headedtoward the stretch of land that ran down to the lakebetween ShadowClan and RiverClan. There, Twolegsinhabited dens during greenleaf. He might find what hewas looking for.

He didn’t want the help of any cat. This was aquest he wanted to make alone. Why involve others ina journey that would probably be a waste of time?

As the forest thinned and the land opened intorolling meadows, he narrowed his eyes. The Twoleg

dens dotted the hillside where it dipped toward thelake. Would Twolegs still be there now that greenleafhad cooled into leaf-fall? He didn’t want to findTwolegs, but if there were no six-toed cats among theClans, perhaps he’d find one here among theirkittypets.

It’s a dumb hope.He ignored the doubt that was drowning his

thoughts. He had to try. RiverClan had cut themselvesoff entirely. ShadowClan seemed as divided as they’dbeen when the rogues moved onto their territory, andSkyClan had so few cats that they hardly seemed aClan at all. Alderheart couldn’t shift the sense of dreadthat pressed in his belly during the lengthening nights.The Clans seemed to be falling apart; not even theirhistory seemed able to bring them together. Thisprophecy must be the answer.

He could only hope that they were interpretingStarClan’s words correctly. That they would find thesix-toed cat, and that the cat would help lift thedarkness that seemed to hang heavier than the stormclouds threatening the forest. He’d traveled toWindClan the day before to ask Harestar if he knew of

a six-toed cat. But Harestar had only stared at himuneasily, and Alderheart had left the camp wonderingif he’d simply made the WindClan leader moreanxious.

He headed downslope, his mouth open as he tastedthe air for kittypet scent.

A high-pitched bark made him freeze. His peltbushed as he glanced over his shoulder and spotted awhite-and-brown dog yapping at the top of the hill. Itwas held by a Twoleg kit, which pulled on the vineattached to the dog’s neck.

Alderheart hesitated. The dog was glaring at him.Its eyes glittered wildly as it barked. With a yelp, itshowed its teeth and tugged at the vine, pawsscrabbling against the ground. The Twoleg kit yowledangrily as the dog barked harder. Suddenly, with asnarl, the dog jerked the vine free of the Twoleg’s paw.

The dog streaked toward him, and fear seared likefire beneath Alderheart’s pelt. Alderheart scanned thegrassy slope. There was nowhere to hide. He ran,pelting over the grass, terror pounding in his ears. Heheaded for the Twoleg nests, then veered, his thoughtsspinning. What shelter could Twolegs give him? He

raced across the slope. The sound of the barking wasgrowing louder. He glimpsed the brown-and-white furof the dog at the corner of his gaze. It was closingfast. He swerved again, running blindly now, with avague hope of reaching the lake’s edge, as thoughsomehow the water could protect him.

Tree. The thought sparked a moment before hespied the young rowan. It sprouted at the edge of theslope. Dogs can’t climb! He raced for it, his heartlurching as he saw that he’d have to cross the dog’spath to reach it. Pushing harder against the ground, heran faster. Wind streamed through his fur. Air burnedhis lungs. He felt the hot breath of the dog on his flankas he flashed in front of it and leaped for the tree. Hehooked his claws into the bark and hauled himself up,his hind legs scrabbling in desperate panic as the dogyelped, a whisker beneath him. He pulled his tail clearof the snapping jaws and scrambled onto the lowestbranch.

He stared down, his flanks heaving.The dog jumped and twisted beneath him, its ears

flapping, its eyes rolling with rage.Alderheart flattened his ears against its yapping

and tried to catch his breath. He was trembling so hardhe thought he might lose his balance. He dug his clawsdeep into the bark and squashed himself flat.

The Twoleg kit was racing toward the tree, wailingat the dog. As it neared, it lunged for the vine, whichstill trailed from the dog’s neck. It jerked the dogbackward and, growling with effort, dragged it away.

Alderheart watched them go, his mouth dry withfear. Perhaps he should have asked for an escort afterall. He stayed in the tree until the kit and its dog haddisappeared from view. Then he waited a while longeruntil he could no longer hear the dog yapping.Unpeeling himself from the branch, he scanned thehillside.

Something was moving near the top. He strained tomake out a shape, but the wind was streaming throughthe long grass and it was hard to see anything clearlyagainst the rippling pasture. He shrugged. It wasprobably a RiverClan warrior, or ShadowClan. Theirterritories lay on either side. Or perhaps it was one ofthe kittypets he’d come here to find. For now, heclimbed cautiously down the tree and looked towardthe Twoleg nests. He would start there.

A dirt Thunderpath trailed from the cluster ofTwoleg dens. It smelled stale, its stench softened bythe wind. Alderheart followed it, keeping to the side,his ears pricked for the low roar of a Twoleg monster.Wooden Twoleg dens rose on either side, and heglanced at them nervously. There was no sign of life.Perhaps the Twolegs had gone back to their leaf-barecamp? He ducked under a fence around the edge of alow den, wrinkling his nose as he scented rancid food.Perhaps there were Twolegs here after all. . . .

A hiss made him freeze. A black tom was glaringat him from beside a tall shrub. A tabby she-cat stalkedout from behind the foliage. They faced him, their peltsprickling with hostility.

Kittypets!“I’m not here to steal anything,” Alderheart called

out.The black tom narrowed his eyes. “What did you

come for?”Alderheart hesitated. There was something

familiar about the tom. And he seemed to recognizethe scent of the tabby she-cat. He searched hismemory, wondering if he could have seen these cats

before.The tabby tipped her head, her eyes hard. “Well?”

she snarled.“I’m looking for someone.” Alderheart’s pelt

ruffled nervously.“Are you a rogue?” The tom padded closer. “Did

Darktail send you?” Was that fear glittering in hisgaze?

Suddenly, Alderheart remembered them. They’dbeen held captive by Darktail, hadn’t they? He’d seenthem fighting in the battle with the rogues. Heremembered the she-cat’s name. “Zelda!”

She backed away, looking scared. “How do youknow me?”

“I’m Alderheart,” he told her. “I’m ThunderClan’smedicine cat. I saw you in the battle with the rogues.”

The tom stretched his muzzle forward and tastedthe air. “You helped fight the rogues?” he asked.

“I didn’t exactly fight,” Alderheart told him. Forthe first time in moons, he felt self-conscious about hisrole as a medicine cat. Would these cats understandthat fighting wasn’t always the bravest thing a catcould do?

The tom padded forward and sniffed him. “I’mLoki.” He stood back, clearly satisfied that Alderheartwasn’t a threat. “Who are you looking for? Therearen’t any Clan cats here.”

“I know.” Alderheart’s pelt smoothed. “The catI’m looking for doesn’t have to be a Clan cat. It justneeds to have six toes.”

Zelda’s eyes widened. “Six toes?”“Cats don’t have six toes,” Loki grunted.“Sometimes they have four.” Loki glanced at the

fence behind Alderheart. “Like Jasper.”Alderheart looked around, his heart lurching as he

saw a stocky kittypet crouching on top of the fence.The russet tom was glaring at him.

“Jasper lost a toe after it got infected,” Zeldaexplained.

“That must have hurt,” Alderheart mewed to therusset tom kindly.

“Why do you care?” Jasper curled his lip.“I’m a medicine cat,” he explained. “It’s my duty

to care.”Jasper hissed. “I don’t need the sympathy of a

mangy old stray.”

“He’s a Clan cat, Jasper.” Zelda padded toAlderheart’s side.

“I’ve heard enough about Clan cats to know thatthey’re a bunch of mangy old strays,” Jasper hissed.“Didn’t you say they held you prisoner?”

“That was the rogues,” Loki told him. “Rogues aredifferent.”

“Wild cats are all the same.” Jasper watchedAlderheart coldly.

Zelda blinked apologetically at Alderheart.“Jasper’s okay, really,” she mewed.

“It’s all right.” Alderheart tried to pretend hewasn’t unnerved by Jasper’s open hostility. “We havebad-tempered cats in the Clans too.”

Jasper slid off the fence and stalked away, his tailhigh.

Relieved, Alderheart blinked hopefully at Zelda.“Do you know of any six-toed cats?”

Zelda shook her head. “Not around here.”“I’ve never heard of any,” Loki agreed.“Sorry we can’t help.” Zelda whisked her tail.

“Why are you looking for one?”Would kittypets understand the importance of a

StarClan prophecy? Probably not. Alderheart dippedhis head. “It doesn’t matter,” he mewed. “I should gohome. Thanks for your help.”

“I wish we could have helped more,” Lokimeowed.

“Are you hungry?” Zelda asked. “There’s foodoutside my Twoleg’s nest. It’s really tasty.”

Alderheart tried not to let his shudder show. He’dheard about kittypet food. Graystripe had told him thatit tasted like dried leaf mold. “No, thanks,” he meowedpolitely. “I need to go home.”

“Okay.” Zelda headed across the grass. “Takecare.”

Loki followed her. “Bye, Alderheart. I hope youfind what you’re looking for.”

“Thanks.” Alderheart headed for the fence andsqueezed under it. Disappointment weighed in hispaws. He knew there had only been a slim chance thathe’d find the answer to StarClan’s prophecy here, buthope had kept his spirits high. Where else could helook for a six-toed kittypet? Perhaps he needed to headfarther out of Clan territory. But not today. HisClanmates would worry if he didn’t return soon. He

headed along the dirt Thunderpath that led out of theTwoleg camp.

Flattening his ears against the cold, he cut acrossthe grass, leaving the Twoleg camp behind. The windwhistled past his ears, and he narrowed his eyesagainst it so that he could barely hear or see.

Suddenly, paws slammed into his side. A flurry ofrusset fur caught his eye as he staggered sideways.The smell of kittypet washed over him. Instinctively, helashed out, hooking thick folds of pelt, but his attackerwas bigger and tugged easily free before swipingAlderheart’s cheek with a hefty blow. Pain scorchedthrough Alderheart’s head as he felt claws rake hisflesh. With a yowl he hit out blindly, gasping as anotherpowerful blow knocked him off-balance. He fell andfelt the weight of the other cat pin him to the ground.Thrashing his hind legs, he tried to wriggle free, but thekittypet held him fast. Jasper! He recognized the peltand the scent now. Rage swelled in his chest as hetried to fight the tom off.

“So you have bad-tempered cats in your Clan, doyou?” Jasper sneered, looming over Alderheart,pressing him into the earth. “Are they as bad-tempered

as this?” Jasper lifted a wide paw and began to swingit toward Alderheart’s muzzle.

Alderheart braced himself for pain, furious at beingso helpless.

But the blow didn’t land, and suddenly, the weightlifted from his chest. Alderheart scrambled to hispaws, confused. Had Jasper just been trying to scarehim? Then he heard a yowl and saw a flash ofSparkpelt’s orange fur. Jasper staggered as Sparkpeltlunged at his forepaws and knocked them from underhim. As he collapsed onto his chin, she reared andthumped his flank with her paws. He rolled onto hisside, his hind legs churning frantically. Sparkpelthopped clear of the kittypet’s flailing claws andgrabbed Jasper’s throat from behind. She jerked hishead backward and hissed in his ear. “If my brothertells you we have bad-tempered cats in our Clan, you’dbetter believe it.” She sliced her claws along his throat,not hard enough to draw blood, but tugging out fur.Then she let him go.

Jasper leaped to his paws and faced Sparkpelt andAlderheart, his eyes flashing with shock. As he backedaway, Alderheart felt relief flood him, and yet his pelt

prickled with embarrassment. Medicine cat or not, heshould have been able to defend himself from akittypet.

Sparkpelt hissed at Jasper, and the russet tomturned and fled. “So brave!” she yowled after him.Purring with amusement, she turned to Alderheart.“Are you okay?”

He ran a paw over his cheek. It was wet withblood and it stung, but the cuts didn’t feel deep. “I’ll befine.” He met her eye, feeling hot with shame.“Thanks.”

She shrugged. “It was nothing.”Nothing? She’d just fought off a tom nearly twice

her size. Alderheart hadn’t even been able to defendhimself. Was she trying to rub it in?

Alderheart headed upslope.Sparkpelt hurried after him. “Where are you going

now?”“Home,” he mewed curtly. “Have you been

following me?”“Of course I’ve been following you.” Sparkpelt fell

in beside him. “You slunk out of camp like you were upto something. I wanted to know what. And it’s a good

thing I did. That cat would have shredded you.”“No, he wouldn’t,” Alderheart snapped. “I was just

planning my next move.”Sparkpelt didn’t respond. Instead she changed the

subject. “Why did you come here?”“Medicine-cat stuff,” he answered. “You wouldn’t

understand.”“Try me.”Alderheart kept walking. He felt mean. She’d just

saved him and he was acting ungrateful, but hecouldn’t shake the embarrassment from his pelt. Wasshe going to tell their Clanmates that she’d had torescue him like a kit?

Sparkpelt blocked his path. “What’s wrong?” Shegazed into his eyes anxiously. “Are you annoyed withme?”

Thoughts flashed like shooting stars throughAlderheart’s mind. Where should he start? She hadwanted SkyClan to go back to the gorge after he’dspent moons finding them. She’d been so busy flirtingwith Larksong like a feather-headed apprentice thatshe hadn’t even noticed that Alderheart had hardlyspoken to her in a moon. And now she had totally

humiliated him and didn’t even realize it. He glared ather. “What’s wrong with you?” he snapped. “We werealways close. Now I feel like I hardly know you!”

“We still are close, aren’t we?” Hurt flashedacross Sparkpelt’s intense green gaze. “I know I’vebeen kind of distracted lately with Larksong.”

“Kind of?”“Is that what’s bothering you?” Sparkpelt blinked

at him.“Not exactly.” Alderheart didn’t want to sound

dumb. “But you haven’t noticed anything! You didn’tcare how I felt about SkyClan. Or that I’ve beenworried about the prophecy or that it might beembarrassing to need saving from a kittypet! You’realways so sure of yourself—you act like everythingyou do is okay, and sometimes it’s not okay!”

Sparkpelt’s fur ruffled along her spine. “I knowyou wanted SkyClan to stay. But that didn’t mean Ihad to agree. I can have my own opinion. And ofcourse I care that you’re worried.” She began to paceback and forth. “But you’re right. I guess I’ve beentoo caught up with Larksong to take the time to talk toyou about stuff that’s important. And I’m sorry I saved

you from that fat kittypet. . . .” She paused. “I’m notsorry exactly. I wasn’t going to let you get your furripped off. But I trained as a warrior and you trainedas a medicine cat. If I was bleeding to death right now,you’d save me, wouldn’t you? Because that’s whatyou do. You save cats. I hunt and fight.” She stoppedand gazed at him.

Guilt jabbed Alderheart’s belly. “I’m sorry.” Hestared at the ground. “I know I’m being oversensitive.And you are allowed to have your own opinions.” Heglanced at her quickly. “Even if they’re wrong.”

She purred. “I’m glad you’re sensitive. It makesyou a great brother.” She nudged his shoulder with hernose. “Let’s go back to camp and take the biggestpiece of prey from the pile, and if anyone complains,I’ll just tell them that you traveled all the way here andfought off the fiercest cat in the forest.”

Alderheart began to climb the slope. “Okay, butlet’s not take the biggest piece. Just the second biggestpiece.”

“Okay.” Sparkpelt fell in beside him. “Why did youcome all the way here? And don’t tell me it’smedicine-cat stuff again.”

“I was hoping one of those kittypets might be thesix-toed cat,” Alderheart told her.

“The one who’s going to save the Clans from thestorm?”

He nodded.“But no luck?” she asked.“No.” Alderheart’s tail drooped.“Don’t worry,” Sparkpelt mewed softly. “You’ll

work it out. After all, you did find SkyClan.”“Twigpaw found SkyClan,” he corrected her.“Only because you told her where to look.”

Sparkpelt lifted her tail. “And perhaps this prophecyisn’t as bad as you think. Maybe StarClan is just beingcautious because so much bad stuff has happenedalready.”

They reached the top of the slope and turnedtoward the forest. Perhaps this prophecy isn’t asbad as you think. Alderheart tried to imagine thatSparkpelt was right, but anxiety still tugged in his belly.“No,” he murmured. “I can feel it’s important.StarClan wants us to figure it out. RiverClan hasturned its back on us. ShadowClan is close to fallingapart. I don’t know how a six-toed cat can fix

everything, but even if it only leads us to the next clue,it’s worth trying for.”

As they headed into the trees, Sparkpelt paddedcloser, letting her fur brush his. “Tell me if you needhelp,” she mewed. “If you need to make anotherjourney like this, I can come with you.”

He blinked at her gratefully, pleased that the angerthat had been sitting like a stone in his belly for so longhad dissolved. Affection swelled in his chest. Theforest muffled the wind, but above the trees the skywas growing darker. “Tell me about Larksong. Do youreally like him?”

Sparkpelt shrugged. “Yeah. A lot. But . . . I don’tknow. I want to enjoy being a warrior right now. Idon’t want to get serious. But I like being withLarksong, and I think he likes being with me.” Sheglanced nervously at Alderheart. “Do you think helikes being with me?”

“Why wouldn’t he?” Alderheart mewed. “You’refunny and smart and a great warrior.”

She nudged him. “Thanks, Alderheart.”As Alderheart purred, an ominous growl sounded

from the bracken beside them. The stench of dog

washed his muzzle. Panic shrilled through him as thebrown-and-white dog lunged from the undergrowth.Alderheart recognized it at once. Its vine trailed on theground beside it. Its growl exploded into ugly barking.

Sparkpelt knocked Alderheart backward andswiped a paw at the dog’s muzzle. Fast as a fox, thedog thrust its nose low and snapped its jaws aroundSparkpelt’s hind leg. With a tug, it yanked her onto herback and dragged her toward the bracken.

Alderheart’s chest seemed to burst with terror.Without thinking, he flung himself at the dog. Flailingwith every paw, he clung to its head and tore at itwildly.

The dog yelped in pain, thrashing its head back andforth. Alderheart clung harder. Jaws snapped beneathhim. Hot breath billowed around him. Blind with terror,he hooked his hind claws into the folds of fur aroundthe dog’s neck and began churning.

Whimpering, the dog thumped Alderheart against atree, and Alderheart let go. Winded and trembling, hescrambled to his paws, ready to fight for his life. Butthe dog turned and, with a howl, pounded awaythrough the bracken and disappeared between the

trees.Blood roared in Alderheart’s ears. “Sparkpelt?”

He saw her orange pelt beneath the bracken fronds.“Sparkpelt!” Throat tight with fear, he darted to herside.

She rolled over and stared at him, her green eyeswide. “That was the bravest thing I’ve ever seen.”

Weak with relief, Alderheart scanned her flank.Blood was welling around her hind leg.

She heaved herself to her paws and gingerlytouched her injured hind leg to the ground. “Nothingbroken,” she breathed.

“That bite will need treating,” Alderheart mewedanxiously.

Sparkpelt shooed him forward with a flick of hertail. “It’s bad enough you had to chase the dog off. I’msupposed to be the warrior. Don’t rub nettles into thewound.”

He glanced at her teasingly. “I was going to useoak leaf. It’s better for infections.”

“Smart-ears.” Purring, Sparkpelt limped toward theThunderClan border.

Alderheart hurried after her. Pride washed his pelt.

As he lifted his muzzle happily, the skies opened andrain began to pound the canopy.

CHAPTER 15

“You don’t need to climb up with us, Violetpaw.”Hawkwing craned his neck and looked into thebranches of the oak. He narrowed his eyes against therain, which dripped through the branches.

Violetpaw puffed out her chest, hoping to lookbraver than she felt. “I want to.” It was her plan. Shewas asking Frecklewish to take a big risk. She had tobe there to help.

The rain had started before dawn. It had lashedthe gorge so fiercely that the stream had risen by thetime the sun climbed above the trees. As water beganto wash over the banks, the cats left their camp in thesmall hollow and moved to higher ground. Before long,they watched their nests get carried away by the flood.

“There’s nothing left for us here.” Fidgetpaw hadbeen the first to say the words. “Let’s fetchFrecklewish and leave.”

Nettlesplash had argued. How could Frecklewishescape in weather like this? But Mintfur had pointedout that, with their camp washed away, they had no

home left. And who knew when the rain would stop.Finally Nettlesplash had agreed. It was time to headfor SkyClan’s new home.

Now, below the oak, Violetpaw shook out hersodden pelt, hoping Hawkwing would think her fur wasspiked because of the rain. She didn’t want him to seeher fear. What if Frecklewish didn’t make the jump tothe woven ledge? What if she fell?

She peered at the towering Twoleg hive.Rainwater streamed down its smooth walls and ran inrivers across the stone that surrounded it.

Nettlesplash circled the thick trunk of the oak. “It’san easy climb to the top,” he meowed.

Rabbitleap and Blossomheart looked up, clearlyunconvinced. “I’m glad I’m keeping my paws on theground,” Rabbitleap growled.

Gravelpaw lifted his forepaws and pressed themagainst the gnarled bark. “Can I come?”

“You’re staying down here,” Mintfur told theyoung tom. Her gaze swept over Palepaw, Fringepaw,and Nectarpaw. “All four of you.”

“But Violetpaw is going,” Palepaw objected.“It was her plan.” Hawkwing inspected the trunk.

Violetpaw looked down self-consciously.Gravelpaw and the other apprentices would be herdenmates soon. She didn’t want to annoy them. “Iguess I could stay down here with you,” shemurmured.

“No!” Nectarpaw splashed over the wet earth andstopped in front of her. “You’ve got to go. We don’tmind staying here.”

“Speak for yourself,” Gravelpaw huffed.“Just be careful,” Nectarpaw mewed. “And ignore

Gravelpaw. He thinks he’s already a warrior.”Violetpaw looked at the tan tom. “I promise to tell

you everything when I get down,” she offered.“If you get down,” Gravelpaw sniffed.Palepaw nudged her brother. “She won’t get stuck

up there like you did last half-moon.”“I wasn’t stuck.” Gravelpaw flicked his tail

crossly. “I was hunting owls.”“Then why did Mintfur have to climb up and fetch

you?”Nettlesplash circled the tree again, frowning. “Stop

bickering. This is serious.” He reached his front pawsup the trunk and then, gracefully, bounded up to the

first branch.“Good luck.” Rabbitleap brushed his tail along

Violetpaw’s spine. “Dig your claws in deep.”“I’ll look after her,” Hawkwing promised, and

scrambled after Nettlesplash.Violetpaw’s heart quickened. Breathing fast, she

watched Mintfur and Fidgetpaw follow him. Hookingher claws into the soaked bark, she hauled herself up.

Splinters of bark peeled away as she climbed andshowered onto the cats below as she followed thewarriors higher into the tree. Nettlesplash seemed toknow the route; he moved swiftly from branch tobranch, tracing a path that took them past ledge afterledge of the Twoleg camp. The tree had already losthalf its leaves, and the other half were brown. Theyfluttered around Violetpaw’s face as she wove aroundthe trunk, following Hawkwing and the others higherinto the branches.

Rain drenched her pelt and streamed from herwhiskers. She didn’t dare look down, scared of losingher balance. She glanced instead at the wide slaboutside Frecklewish’s Twoleg nest. The stone shonewith rainwater. The top of the encircling wall was

slick. Violetpaw glanced at the woven ledges nearbyand saw that the narrow fences that edged them weredripping with rain. How would Frecklewish grip them?

Worry wormed beneath Violetpaw’s pelt. She maynot want to risk it.

In front of her, Hawkwing stopped, and Violetpawrealized that the patrol was level with the stone slab.Nettlesplash had led them onto a thick branch. Smallerbranches jutted from it, and Mintfur and Fidgetpaw hadfanned out so that they had a good view ofFrecklewish’s nest. Hawkwing edged forward onto thebranch beside Fidgetpaw. He made room forVioletpaw and beckoned her forward. Gingerly, shepadded over the wet bark and crouched behind him.

Warm light spilled through the clear wall ofFrecklewish’s Twoleg nest and reflected in the puddlesoutside on the ledge.

“Can you see her?” Fidgetpaw hissed toNettlesplash.

Nettlesplash was peering through the clear wall.“Not yet,” he meowed. “We’ll just have to wait.”

Rain seeped through Violetpaw’s pelt, reaching herskin. She tried not to shiver and dug her claws deep

into the bark. Cold to the bone, she waited besideHawkwing. Time seemed to pass slowly, and with thesun hidden, she had no idea how long they waited.

At last, Nettlesplash straightened. “I see her!”Through the rain streaming down the clear wall,

Violetpaw could see a mottled tabby moving in thewarm light.

Nettlesplash yowled. Frecklewish’s face turnedsharply toward him. Her eyes widened and she hurriedcloser. Violetpaw saw her talking. A Twoleg hurried toher side. Eagerly, Frecklewish escorted the Twolegtoward the clear wall.

Violetpaw could hear the medicine cat’s muffledmewing now. Her heart seemed to stop as the Twolegslid the wall open and Frecklewish hurried onto thestone slab.

Nettlesplash ducked close to the branch as theTwoleg glanced outside, then closed the glass wall anddisappeared inside the nest, leaving Frecklewishoutside.

Frecklewish hopped onto the slab’s wall and calledout excitedly. “What are you doing here? Is everythingokay?”

“We’re fine,” Mintfur mewed.“How are you?” Fidgetpaw asked anxiously.“I’m fine,” Frecklewish called across the gap.

“The Twolegs treat me well, but I want to get out ofhere.”

“That’s why we’ve come,” Nettlesplash told her.“Have you thought of a way for me to escape?”

Frecklewish looked down. Violetpaw followed hergaze, her head spinning as she took in the huge drop tothe stone below. “I escaped through the nest entrancea few days ago, but I got lost before I made it all theway outside, and another Twoleg picked me up andbrought me back.”

Violetpaw shuddered at the thought of being pickedup by a Twoleg. She blinked sympathetically atFrecklewish.

Frecklewish seemed to notice her. Her eyeswidened as her gaze flicked from Violetpaw toHawkwing. “Hawkwing. You’re back!”

“We’ve come to take you to the lake,” Hawkwingcalled. “We have a new home there among the otherClans.”

Frecklewish’s eyes brightened. Happiness seemed

to flood her gaze, then faded as she glanced downonce more. “But how do I get out of here?”

“We have a plan.” Hawkwing nodded toVioletpaw.

Frecklewish blinked hopefully at Violetpaw.Dread gripped Violetpaw’s belly. My plan is so

dumb! She looked at the gap between the stone slaband the woven ledge, trembling as she realized how farit was from this angle. How had she ever imaginedFrecklewish could make that jump? A thought flashedin her mind. There was another clear wall beside thewoven ledge. Could Frecklewish get to it from inside?

Hesitantly, Violetpaw nodded to the woven ledge.“If you can get to that ledge, there’s a way down.”

Frecklewish followed her gaze, her wet peltspiking.

“Can you get to it from inside the nest?” Violetpawblinked at her hopefully.

Frecklewish shook her head. “No.”“Can you jump to it?”Frecklewish narrowed her eyes. “I’m not sure.

I’ve thought about it before, but it didn’t seem to leadanywhere.”

“It does,” Violetpaw told her eagerly. “There aresteps down to the next ledge. They go right to thebottom.”

Frecklewish’s eyes flashed with excitement. “Allthe way?”

“You’ll be able to climb down far enough to jumpinto the tree,” Violetpaw called through the rain. Shewondered if she was doing the right thing. What ifFrecklewish fell?

Nettlesplash edged closer to the end of his branch.“It’s a long jump,” he called, jerking his muzzle towardthe gap between Frecklewish’s stone slab and thewoven ledge. “We’ll understand if you don’t want totry.”

“But the lake!” Frecklewish stared at Hawkwing.“No. I can’t let you leave without me.”

Violetpaw stared at her through the pouring rain.Was she really going to try? Why did I mention myplan?

Frecklewish faced the woven ledge, her gaze fixedon the narrow struts that fenced it. The top shimmeredwith raindrops. She drew her hind legs in close, herforepaws curling over the edge of the stone. Her tail

waved slowly back and forth as she balanced herself.She lifted her haunches. Violetpaw could see herbunching her muscles, ready to leap.

Suddenly, the clear wall opened behind her. ATwoleg stepped out into the rain, its eyes wide as itstared at Frecklewish.

Frecklewish leaped.The Twoleg lunged toward her with a howl. As its

hands slapped the wall, Frecklewish’s hind pawsslipped clumsily.

She’s going to fall! Violetpaw’s heart seemed tojump into her throat as Frecklewish sailed through theair, forepaws stretching.

Violetpaw darted forward, but Hawkwing steadiedher with a paw. “Don’t move!” Half-blind with terror,she looked down. The ground seemed to swim farbelow them. Don’t let her die!

A clang jarred her from her stupor as Frecklewishhit the thin fence of the woven ledge hard. Herforepaws curled over the narrow strut at the top. Herhind paws scrabbled against the slippery bars below.Pelt bristling with terror, she fought to get a grip. Then,with a long, low, grunt, she hauled herself over the top

and slithered to safety.Violetpaw melted against Hawkwing as relief

washed through every muscle. “She made it.” Hermew was no more than a breath.

“Quick!” Nettlesplash hurried toward the trunk andbegan scrambling down the tree. Fidgetpaw racedafter him.

Frecklewish was already leaping down the firstflight of steps, making the ledge rattle. The Twolegstared after her for a moment, then turned and racedback into its nest.

“It’s chasing her!” Mintfur stared after the Twolegas it disappeared inside. She rushed after Nettlesplash.

Violetpaw followed, Hawkwing at her heels. Halfjumping, half sliding, she climbed after the SkyClanwarriors. She could hear Frecklewish keeping pacewith them. The woven ledge rang with her paw steps.Near the bottom of the tree, Nettlesplash boundednimbly along a long low branch. At the end, he leanedout as Frecklewish landed on the bottom ledge, a tail-length from the branch. She leaped over the enclosingfence, hardly touching it as she launched herselftoward the tree.

Nettlesplash reached out a paw and hookedFrecklewish’s pelt, then hauled her the final muzzle-length into the safety of the oak.

Behind her, the Twoleg climbed through a clearwall onto the woven ledge and yelped.

Violetpaw stood frozen with shock beside thetrunk.

Mintfur nudged her. “Let’s get out of here.” Shebundled Violetpaw onto the branch below.

Violetpaw could see Gravelpaw, Palepaw,Fringepaw, and Nectarpaw staring up, their eyes wide.Rabbitleap and Blossomheart watched, pelts on end.She swung herself around the lowest branch and clungto the trunk. The bark scraped her belly as shedropped like a stone onto the ground. “We’ve got her!”she told the trembling apprentices. They surged pasther as Fidgetpaw and Frecklewish scrambled down thetrunk.

Violetpaw hung back as the SkyClan cats woundaround each other, purring louder than the rain.Hawkwing rubbed his cheek along Frecklewish’s. “It’sgood to see you.”

Clattering sounded from the Twoleg hive. Huge

paw steps pounded the stone. “Let’s go!” Violetpawyowled as she spied the Twoleg running toward thetree.

She pelted away, Gravelpaw darting in front of her.Mintfur and Palepaw raced at her side. She glancedback to see Hawkwing, Nettlesplash, and Frecklewishrunning after her with Rabbitleap and Blossomheart.

Behind them, the Twoleg slowed to a halt, its smalleyes staring in surprise.

We did it! Joy surged beneath Violetpaw’s pelt.They had rescued Frecklewish and found the last ofSkyClan. In a few days, they’d be home.

CHAPTER 16

Twigpaw squeezed into the warriors’ den and shookthe rain from her pelt. She’d lost track of how long ithad been raining. Days had passed since the darkclouds had rolled over the forest, and now every denwas dripping and every nest was damp. Leafpoolfretted over her herb store, worried that her carefullygathered leaves might begin to rot. Hunting patrolsbrought back soaked prey. Twigpaw wondered howHawkwing and Violetpaw were managing to stay dry.Surely they’d be back soon? They’d been gone nearlya half-moon.

Macgyver’s mew snatched her from her thoughts.“Have you brought a poultice for my paws?” Theblack-and-white tom blinked from his nest.

“Leafpool will bring some later,” Twigpaw toldhim. “Sandynose sent me to groom you.”

Macgyver had lost his grip on a tree trunk the daybefore and slithered down the wet bark, slicing hispads. He’d landed heavily and sprained his shoulderand now lay in his nest, too stiff to move.

Twigpaw’s nose wrinkled at the smell of him. Thedampness had turned his pelt sour, and she didn’t relishthe thought of working her tongue through his fur insearch of fleas and ticks. He was a Clanmate in needand she didn’t begrudge him. But she felt irritated withSandynose for giving her the task.

Was he punishing her for something? She’d beentrying hard to listen to him during training and followhis instructions carefully, no matter how rabbit-brainedthey seemed. She hoped that if she worked hard, herSkyClan apprenticeship would end soon.

Macgyver shifted in his nest with a grunt. “I’vemanaged to groom my belly and my paws, but I can’treach my back.” He turned it toward her. “Sorry aboutthe smell.”

Twigpaw padded to his nest. “The whole campstinks,” she mewed sympathetically. “The dens andnests are so damp, they’re half rotten. It must beterrible being stuck inside.”

“I’d rather have fresh rain in my fur,” Macgyveragreed. “At least I wouldn’t smell like a badger.”

Twigpaw purred as she buried her muzzle in histhick fur and began to root for fleas. She found one

and cracked it between her teeth before lapping thearea clean.

Macgyver relaxed beneath her tongue. “Feelsgood,” he meowed gratefully. “That flea has beennibbling me all night.”

Twigpaw worked her way down his spine, nippingout fleas and washing his pelt thoroughly. At the baseof his tail, she found a tick. It was fat with blood. Shewashed around it and leaned back on her haunches.“That tick will need mouse bile,” she told him. “If I pullit, I can’t promise to get it out cleanly. And you don’twant an infection.”

Macgyver lifted an injured paw. “I’d go toLeafpool’s den if it didn’t hurt so much to walk.”

“I’ll fetch some.” Twigpaw got to her paws. Shewondered if Finpaw was back from training. Bellaleaf,who had taken over as his mentor in Blossomheart’sabsence, had taken him out early. She was glad he wastraining again, but she missed seeing him around campso much. She poked her head out of the den.Sandynose, Dewpaw, and Sagenose had returned fromhunting. Reedpaw was helping Leafpool pile mud andmoss against the walls of the medicine den to keep the

rain out. While Sandynose crossed the swollen streamto talk with Leafstar, Dewpaw helped Sagenose pushthe prey they’d caught closer to the fern wall of thecamp. Twigpaw guessed they were hoping to shelter itfrom the rain. But the ferns were shriveling now, andthe rain was still falling. She doubted there wasanywhere in camp where fresh-kill could stay dry.

“Twigpaw!”As she headed toward Leafpool’s den, Sandynose

called her.She turned, pricking her ears. The tabby tom was

heading toward her, his gaze serious. Twigpawswallowed back a sigh. What was he going to findfault with now?

She stopped and waited. “Was prey running well?”she asked as he reached her.

“As well as can be expected in this weather.” Rainstreamed from his whiskers but he didn’t seem tonotice. He blinked at her sternly. “I want to speak withyou about Finpaw while he’s out of camp.”

Twigpaw frowned. What did he want to say to herthat he couldn’t say in front of Finpaw?

“I don’t think you should be around him so much.”

She stared. “We share a den!” How was shesupposed to avoid her denmates?

“I know,” Sandynose went on. “But that doesn’tmean you have to go exploring with him or huntingwith him every chance you get.”

“You make it sound like I’m stalking him.”Twigpaw’s pelt bristled. “He wants to hunt with me.”

Sandynose grunted. “Try to discourage him.”“Why?” Twigpaw could hardly believe her ears.

Finpaw was a Clanmate. What was wrong with beingwith him?

Sandynose looked at her steadily. “He’s trying torecover his confidence after his accident. Training isharder for him with half a tail. And he’s got a lot ofcatching up to do. Seeing you doing everything soeasily must be hard for him.”

Twigpaw felt hot. Was that true? “But I’ve beenhelping him.” Together, they had found new ways forhim to stalk and pounce that took advantage of hisshort tail. “Yesterday we worked out a new huntingcrouch.”

“He’s young and he’s clearly fond of you.”Sandynose didn’t seem to be listening. “I don’t want

him taking risks to impress you.”“I’d never let him take a risk!” Twigpaw was

angry. Why was Sandynose being so unfair?“You’re distracting him from his training.”

Sandynose’s tail twitched impatiently. “Just stay awayfrom him. It’s for the good of SkyClan.”

He walked away before Twigpaw could reply.She stared after her mentor, her heart pounding

with rage. How dare he tell her to stay away from herClanmate? For the good of SkyClan? What did thatmean? I’m SkyClan too! He talked as though shewasn’t one of them.

Paw steps sounded at the entrance tunnel.Twigpaw glanced toward it. Hope flashed in her belly.Was it Hawkwing’s patrol?

Her ears twitched with surprise as she sawIvypool lead Lionblaze, Fernsong, and Thornclaw intothe clearing.

The ThunderClan warriors stopped beside thestream as Leafstar padded toward them. Sandynosecame closer and stared as Dewpaw and Sagenosewatched uneasily from beside the fresh-kill pile.

Ivypool dipped her head low. “We waited at the

border for a patrol,” she meowed apologetically. “Butno cat came.”

Leafstar glanced at the falling rain. “No cat wantsto be out on a day like this. And, until Hawkwingreturns with our Clanmates, our patrols are a littlethin.”

As she spoke, Quailkit and Pigeonkit tumbled outof the nursery.

“Invaders!” Quailkit squeaked in alarm.Sunnykit scrambled out, puffing her ginger kit-fluff

against the weather.Quailkit shook rain from his crow-black ears. “Are

they rogues?”“No, dear.” Tinycloud followed her kits out.

“They’re ThunderClan warriors.”“I thought ThunderClan warriors were like foxes,”

Sunnykit mewed.“That’s ShadowClan,” Pigeonkit announced

knowledgeably.Tinycloud swept her tail around them and scooped

them close, shielding them from the rain. “Be quiet, mydears, and listen.”

Beside the medicine den, Reedpaw sat back on her

haunches and poked Leafpool. “Your Clanmates arehere.”

Leafpool, absorbed in her work, looked up.“Thornclaw!” Her gaze warmed when she saw thegolden-brown tom. She shook mud and moss from herpaws and crossed the camp to greet him. “How’sBlossomfall?”

“She’s well.” Thornclaw nodded graciously.“And the kits?” Leafpool’s eyes sparkled.“Eaglekit and Shellkit are determined to climb the

rock tumble and explore Bramblestar’s cave,”Thornclaw told her. “Stemkit and Plumkit prefer tohang around the medicine den.”

Leafpool purred. “I expect Jayfeather isn’t toopleased.”

“No.” Thornclaw’s whiskers twitched. “ButAlderheart says he enjoys having something tocomplain about.”

A twinge of homesickness jabbed Twigpaw’sheart. Jayfeather used to complain about her.

Ivypool looked at Thornclaw, her eyes dark. “Wecame to discuss a serious matter.”

Thornclaw lowered his head as she went on.

“We’re searching for Dovewing.” Ivypool’s mewwas taut with worry.

Leafstar tipped her head to one side. “Is shemissing?”

“She left camp two days ago and hasn’t been seensince.”

Twigpaw stiffened. She’s gone?“Did she say where she was going?” Leafstar

asked.Lionblaze’s pelt rippled along his spine. “She left

without a word to anyone.”Leafpool leaned closer. “Have you searched the

forest?”“We’ve searched ThunderClan’s part of the

forest,” Ivypool told her. “We’ve also traveled toShadowClan’s camp to ask if they’ve seen her.”

“Have they?” Leafstar asked.“Rowanstar says they haven’t.” Ivypool’s ears

twitched uneasily.Leafstar turned to Sandynose. “Has there been

any sign of her on SkyClan territory?”“No cat’s reported any strange scents to me,” he

reported.

“No cat?” Ivypool looked at Twigpaw.Twigpaw shifted her paws guiltily. Should she have

reported seeing Tigerheart and Dovewing? Ivypoolstared at her wordlessly until Leafstar followed hergaze. Sandynose narrowed his eyes.

“Twigpaw? Do you know something?” Leafstarasked.

Twigpaw’s pelt prickled uncomfortably. “I sawDovewing talking to Tigerheart near the ThunderClanborder a quarter moon ago.” She glanced at Ivypoolquizzically. Why had her former mentor put her in thisposition? “But it didn’t seem to be anything to do withSkyClan.”

“Were they on our territory?” Leafstar asked.“Yes, but they were talking about ShadowClan,”

Twigpaw mewed quickly.Leafstar’s ears pricked. “What were they

saying?”Twigpaw’s thoughts seemed to tangle into knots.

What should she say? Should she betray Tigerheart’sfears for ShadowClan? Or his love for Dovewing?Words shriveled on her tongue. She felt she was beingdisloyal to everyone. “Tigerheart was worried about his

Clan, that’s all,” she mewed at last.Leafstar narrowed her eyes.Sandynose padded toward Twigpaw. “Why didn’t

you report this at the time?”“It didn’t seem important.”“They were on our territory,” Sandynose growled.“But it was ShadowClan’s land half a moon ago. I

just figured borders weren’t as fixed as they used tobe.”

Sandynose’s gaze glittered with anger. “Sincewhen were a Clan’s borders not fixed?”

Twigpaw looked at the ground. “There have justbeen so many changes lately,” she mumbled.

“Yes,” Sandynose meowed icily. “Perhaps, forsome cats, change isn’t always good.”

What did he mean by that? She looked at him,alarmed. His unwavering gaze pierced hers. Did hethink she should have stayed with ThunderClan?

Leafstar whisked her tail. “Did you ask Tigerheartabout Dovewing?” she asked Ivypool.

“I questioned him.” Ivypool lifted her chin. “But hesaid he hasn’t seen her.”

“And you believe him?” Leafstar asked.

“Would you?” Ivypool retorted.Leafstar shrugged. “All I know about Tigerheart is

that it was his idea to give us this territory. Feel free tosearch our land.” She dipped her head to Ivypool. “Butyou must be back across your border by sunset.”

“Thank you.” Ivypool stared for a moment at theSkyClan leader, then turned away. Lionblaze,Thornclaw, and Fernsong followed her to the campentrance.

Twigpaw watched them leave, her belly tight. Shewanted to run after Ivypool and ask her why she’dforced her to confess to seeing Dovewing. Did shewant to make her life difficult in SkyClan? Was shestill angry at her for leaving ThunderClan? Was Idisloyal?

Sandynose growled beside her. “I see I was rightto tell you to stay away from Finpaw.”

Twigpaw flinched as he stalked away. Now he hadreason to distrust her. She wished that Hawkwing andVioletpaw were with her. At least she’d have thesupport of kin. She knew that Tinycloud wasPebbleshine’s mother, but she was busy with her newkits now. Her pelt tingled uneasily. Hawkwing and

Violetpaw had been spending so much time together ontheir journey—now they would share all kinds ofprivate jokes and stories that Twigpaw wouldn’tunderstand. What if she felt even more isolated withthem here?

Stop feeling sorry for yourself. She shook outher pelt. She was behaving like a kit. You made adecision. Now live with it. You were born a SkyClancat. This is the Clan you’re supposed to be with.

And yet a small voice sounded at the back of hermind. She’d been happy in ThunderClan. She knewtheir stories. She’d hunted at their side. It had felt easyto be around them. Here she had to work to feel likeshe belonged.

Twigpaw watched as Sandynose talked in hushedmews with Leafstar. Tinycloud shooed her kits backinto the nursery. Dewpaw and Sagenose busily laidbracken fronds over the fresh-kill pile.

Macgyver would be waiting for his mouse bile. Sheheaded for Leafpool’s den. How strange thatDovewing had gone missing. Something told her thatthe ThunderClan warrior had been planning to leave.Twigpaw had heard it in the way she’d talked with

Tigerheart. Dovewing had seemed at ease with theShadowClan warrior. As though she were at home justbeing with him. And, for a moment, Twigpaw enviedher.

CHAPTER 17

Alderheart unrolled a bundle of catmint.Jayfeather’s nose twitched. “It’s starting to rot.”Alderheart examined the leaves. They were dark

at the edges where they had begun to wilt. “Perhapsthe rain will stop today.”

“You said that yesterday.” Jayfeather pulled a rollof comfrey from the herb store. Its pungent smell filledthe medicine den.

Alderheart frowned. “Dried herbs shouldn’t smellthat strong.”

“They’re not dry,” Jayfeather grunted. “Nothing inthe whole forest is dry anymore.”

Briarlight shifted in her nest. “Surely the rain muststop soon?”

“I hope so.” Alderheart padded anxiously to theden entrance. Outside, the rain pounded the camp. Alarge puddle had swallowed the clearing, andThunderClan had begun piling mud and sticks outsidetheir dens, hoping to keep the water from seepinginside if the puddle grew larger.

His Clanmates hid in their dens. Only Graystripewas outside, wading through the puddle to sniff at thedrenched fresh-kill pile. His thick fur was plastered tohis body. He glanced at Alderheart and lifted his tailhalfheartedly. “Nice weather—if you’re a duck.”

“I guess.” Alderheart blinked at him anxiously asthe old tom lifted a dripping mouse from the pile andtrudged back to the elders’ den.

Bramblestar and Squirrelflight were out, huntingwith Brightheart, Sparkpelt, and Berrynose. Prey washard to sniff out in this weather, and he wondered howmuch they’d bring back.

He saw the thorn barrier quiver as Ivypool ledThornclaw, Lionblaze, and Fernsong into camp.Alderheart ducked from the medicine den and splashedthrough the puddle to greet them. “Did you find anysign of Dovewing?”

Ivypool blinked at him, rain streaming around herface. “Nothing,” she meowed heavily. “Rowanstar andLeafstar say that no one has seen or smelled her.”

“Her scent would be hard to pick up in weatherlike this.” Alderheart looked up at the sky. The darksky must not herald a storm. Was this the beginning

of the storm StarClan had warned them about? WasDovewing’s disappearance something to do with it?

Lionblaze interrupted his thoughts. “Twigpaw toldus she saw Dovewing talking with Tigerheart onSkyClan land.”

“When?” Worry pricked Alderheart’s belly. WasTigerheart the reason Dovewing had left?

“A quarter moon ago,” Ivypool mewed.Thornclaw and Lionblaze exchanged glances.Ivypool frowned. “We have to find her before she

does anything stupid.”No one responded. Instead, Thornclaw turned his

muzzle toward the nursery. “I’m going to see ifBlossomfall and the kits are warm enough.” Thewarrior headed toward the thick bramble bush anddisappeared inside. Lionblaze padded to the warriors’den.

Ivypool looked anxiously at Fernsong. “Do theythink she’s a traitor?”

Fernsong touched his muzzle to Ivypool’s cheek.“Dovewing could never be a traitor. Lionblaze knowsthat more than anyone. She helped him fight the DarkForest, remember?”

Ivypool’s eyes clouded. “I just hope she’s safe.”As she spoke, pebbles clattered down from the top

of the cliff and showered Highledge.Alderheart looked up nervously. Rainwater was

streaming down the rock face. Ferns and bramblessagged over the top, oozing muddy water from theirroots. The earth groaned.

Ivypool’s fur bristled. “Perhaps we shouldevacuate the camp.” She glanced at the fallen beechwhere the elders’ den nestled beneath dead branches.“Weather like this washed that tree from the top of thecliff. It killed Longtail and crippled Briarlight.”

Alderheart looked toward the medicine den. Itseemed safe, tucked into a hollow in the cliff face. Butits roof opened to the sky. Could rocks fall inside? “I’llgo and ask Jayfeather if we should move Briarlight tothe warriors’ den until the weather clears.”

As he spoke, the cliff top groaned again. His heartlurched as a chunk of rock shifted at the top. With acreak, it broke away from the cliff face and droppedlike a diving hawk, pulling soil and plants after it.Alderheart leaped for the edge of camp as it smashedonto Highledge, earth and stones cascading around it.

Dazed, he looked at Ivypool and Fernsong. They’ddived clear and were crouching against the walls of theelders’ den.

Ivypool’s eyes were wide with panic. She lifted hermuzzle as cats scrambled into the clearing. “Clear thecamp!”

Lionblaze shot from the warriors’ den, Brackenfurat his heels. He looked at the cliff, where earth hungand bushes dangled over the edge. Cracks snakedthrough the rock below the rim. The crack of splittingstone rang across the camp. Lionblaze’s amber gazehardened. “Brackenfur.” He jerked his muzzle towardhis denmate. “Make sure the warriors’ den and theelders’ den are cleared. Get everyone to thelakeshore.”

Brackenfur nodded. “Cinderheart! Bumblestripe!”He called to his Clanmates, who stumbled, wide-eyed,into the flooded clearing, and repeated Lionblaze’sorder.

They nodded curtly. Cinderheart disappeared insidethe den while Bumblestripe stood outside and nosedwarriors toward the thorn entrance tunnel.

Brackenfur called to Poppyfrost. “Get Graystripe

and Millie out of camp,” he ordered. As Poppyfrostraced toward the fallen beech, he ran to the entrance.“Head for the lakeshore,” he yowled as Whitewing,Lilyheart, and Stormcloud streamed past him.

Ivypool and Fernsong waited at the nurseryentrance. Thornclaw was already scrambling out,Eaglekit swinging from his jaws. Daisy followed him,running for the camp entrance as Blossomfall passedShellkit and Stemkit through the opening in thebrambles. Fernsong and Ivypool grabbed the kits bythe scruff and raced away. As Blossomfall snatchedup Plumkit and followed, an ominous crack soundedfrom the cliff top.

Alderheart stared, frozen with terror, as a lump ofstone peeled away and fell toward the clearing.Lionblaze raced at him, shouldering him backward untilhe was pinned against the thorn barrier. Behind him,rubble and earth exploded as the stone hit Highledgeand rolled into the clearing. It sent a wave of muddywater sweeping across the camp, drenching the fleeingcats.

Icy cold pierced Alderheart’s pelt, shocking himfrom his panicked stupor. “Jayfeather!” He raced for

the medicine den. “Briarlight!”Lionblaze hared after him as he scrabbled over the

mound of rubble at the heart of the camp. The goldentom called to his Clanmates. “Cloudtail! Birchfall!Snowbush! Come, help us!”

Alderheart burst through the lichen that draped theentrance to the medicine den. Jayfeather was shieldingBriarlight, stretched over her as mud and stonesshowered down from the cliff top.

The earth above the den seemed to roar as morestone and mud cascaded into the camp.

Lionblaze shoved Jayfeather out of the way andgrabbed Briarlight by her scruff. He dragged her fromher nest. Birchfall ducked under her hindquarters andlifted her onto his shoulders. Between them, the twowarriors carried her out of the den.

“My herbs!” Jayfeather screeched.“Leave them!” Cloudtail yowled.“They’re half-rotten anyway.” Alderheart tried to

nudge Jayfeather toward the den entrance. But theblind medicine cat dug his claws into the ground.“We’ve been gathering them for a moon. They have tosee us through leaf-bare.” He glared at Alderheart and

Cloudtail.Snowbush darted to the crack in the cliff where

the herbs were stored and began dragging them out,bundle after bundle. Cloudtail snatched up as many ashe could hold in his jaws. Jayfeather grabbed amouthful. Alderheart pawed the wads of catminttogether and gripped them between his teeth. Heturned to follow Cloudtail and Jayfeather out of theden.

Snowbush was still hauling out herbs.“Leave them!” Alderheart tried to make himself

heard through the leaves blocking his mouth.Snowbush paused and blinked at him.Alderheart beckoned the white warrior away with

a panicked flick of his tail. Earth and stones werefalling more heavily into the den. In a moment, theymight be submerged in mud. Snowbush grabbed a fatbundle of thyme and mallow and headed for theentrance.

Alderheart slid ahead of him and raced across thecamp.

Poppyfrost and Cherryfall were herding Millie andGraystripe through the thorn tunnel. Lionblaze waited

there, herbs dangling from his jaws, his gaze scanningthe clearing. Alderheart and Snowbush were the lastcats left. Lionblaze beckoned them, his eyes glitteringurgently. Alderheart saw him glance at the cliff top,terror swamping his gaze. He slowed and turned,looking up.

A massive piece of stone was breaking away fromthe cliff face. It seemed to slip like ice and droptoward the clearing. Soil, bushes, and stones showeredaround it. Time seemed to slow as Alderheartwatched. Then he felt Snowbush’s muzzle shove himfrom behind. Lionblaze hooked Alderheart’s scruffwith an outstretched paw and dragged him forward asthe stone hit the clearing, splitting the air with a roar asit shattered into countless pieces.

The rush of air knocked Alderheart into Lionblaze.He dropped his herbs as he landed and waited for theblast of stone against his pelt. Earth showered aroundhim. A wave of muddy water engulfed him. Then thecamp fell silent except for the steady pounding of therain.

Alderheart lifted his head.Lionblaze groaned beside him and heaved himself

to his paws. “Are you hurt?”Alderheart moved, surprised to feel no pain. He

pushed himself up shakily. “Snowbush.” His mew wasthick with mud. He spat it out and glanced back.

A white scrap of fur lay beside the heap of mudand rubble.

Lionblaze raced toward it. “Snowbush!”Alderheart scrambled to Lionblaze’s side. “Is he

breathing?” He pushed past the golden tom andpressed his ear to Snowbush’s mouth. There was nosound. “Quick!” Alderheart jerked his nose to therubble, which buried Snowbush’s hindquarters. “Pullhim clear.”

Lionblaze thrust his muzzle beneath Snowbush’slolling head and grabbed his scruff. With a grunt, heheaved him clear of the debris and laid him at the edgeof the clearing.

Alderheart rolled the white warrior onto his backand thumped his paws against his chest. Pressing themagainst his ribs, he pushed down and released, thenpushed down again. I have to get him breathingagain. “Fetch help,” he told Lionblaze.

Lionblaze stared blankly.

“Hurry!” Alderheart growled.Lionblaze turned and raced from the camp.Alderheart pushed harder against Snowbush’s

chest. Feeling his way down, he pushed his pawsbeneath Snowbush’s ribs and pushed again, gruntingwith the effort.

Snowbush jerked and spewed up muddy water.Hope flashed in Alderheart’s belly. He ran his

paws over the tom’s mud-smeared pelt, feeling forbroken bones. He stiffened as he ran his pads downhis hind leg. A bump betrayed a jagged crack in thebone.

Snowbush opened his eyes blearily, blinking againstthe rain that soaked his face.

“You’re safe,” Alderheart told him. “But your hindleg is broken. Lionblaze has gone to fetch help.”

As he spoke, Lionblaze raced back through theentrance. Molewhisker, Birchfall, and Larksongfollowed, Lilyheart behind them. Her eyes sparkedwith anguish when she saw Snowbush. She slid pasther Clanmates and crouched beside her mate. Heseemed small, his fur slicked by rain and mud, his eyesglittering with pain.

“He’s okay,” Alderheart told her. He wishedJayfeather were here. “His leg is broken, but that’sall.” He knew he wasn’t telling her the whole truth:that for a moment Snowbush had stopped breathing,and that there might be worse damage beneath his peltthan a broken bone.

“Let’s get him away from here.” Lilyheart lookedfearfully at the cliff top.

“Be gentle,” Alderheart cautioned as Lionblazeand Birchfall crouched on either side of their injuredClanmate.

“I can walk.” Snowbush rolled over and heavedhimself to his paws, letting out a low groan. Lionblazeand Birchfall pressed against either side of him, liftinghim as he limped weakly toward the camp entrance,holding his broken leg clear of the ground.Molewhisker and Lilyheart followed, keeping close.

Larksong glanced around the camp, his eyes widewith disbelief. Alderheart followed his gaze numbly.Highledge was hidden beneath a pile of dirt and stone.Rubble covered the clearing and reached to the edgesof the camp. Mud and twigs plastered every den.Plants and bushes, dragged down by the mudslide,

stuck out like wounded limbs from the debris. Stonesblocked the entrance to the medicine den.

Alderheart looked at the storm-black clouds and letthe rain wash the mud from his face. “Will it everstop?” he murmured.

Larksong looked at him hopefully. “Maybe this wasthe storm StarClan promised. Maybe it’s over now.”

“Perhaps,” Alderheart breathed. Or perhaps it’sonly just begun.

CHAPTER 18

Violetpaw squinted as sunshine sliced through theevening air, its weak rays warming her damp pelt.Lifting her face, she closed her eyes and relished thebrightness. The clouds were clearing at last.

In the days since rescuing Frecklewish, they hadtrudged through the relentless rain. And yet, despitethe dismal weather, Violetpaw’s heart had been light.Fidgetpaw and Frecklewish had shared stories, Mintfurand Nettlesplash joining in. Fringepaw and Nectarpawhad gradually lost their shyness, and they felt likedenmates already. Their spirits had lifted with everypaw step. Their excitement at seeing the land beyondthe gorge was infectious. Even Gravelpaw andPalepaw were complaining less. Violetpaw couldn’twait to show them around SkyClan’s new territory.

Molewhisker seemed almost more like a Clanmatethan Sparrowpelt or Harrybrook. He shared his prey,and he was as protective of the apprentices as any ofSkyClan’s warriors. When Nectarpaw had wanderedtoo close to a Twoleg patrol, he had rushed to shoo her

away.Rabbitleap had stayed close to Violetpaw, training

her as they traveled without ever being bossy. He’dhunted beside her, gently offering advice on stalkingtechniques and scent trails. Blossomheart andHawkwing had stuck close to Cherrytail andCloudmist. They were delighted that their kin haddecided to leave Barley’s farm and travel to SkyClan’snew territory.

Violetpaw remembered how nervous Hawkwinghad been as they’d approached Barley’s farm just aquarter of a moon earlier. He hadn’t said anything, butshe’d been able to read anxiety in the stiffness of histail and the way his ears twitched. What if his motherand sister had chosen to stay with Barley? He wouldhave had to make his new home beside the lakewithout them.

They had arrived at Barley’s farm the morningafter Frecklewish’s rescue, having traveled through arainy night. The shelter and warmth of the barn hadfelt like a blessing from StarClan, and Barley hadorganized the hungry party into hunting patrols whileHawkwing faced Cloudmist and Cherrytail.

He hadn’t needed to speak. They had met hishopeful gaze with round, anxious eyes. Violetpawcould see from the quiver along his spine that hethought for a moment that they were going to tell himthey wanted to stay on the farm. But Cherrytail hadstepped forward and touched muzzles with her son.

“We’re coming with you.”Her words seemed to lift a weight from

Hawkwing’s shoulders. Purring, he wove around them,promising that they had made the right decision andwould never regret moving to SkyClan’s new territory.

Now, days later, as they trekked along anothersweeping hillside, the lake glittered on the horizon.

“Look!” Violetpaw saw the water first, sparkling inthe dying rays of evening sun.

Nectarpaw bounced excitedly beside her. “Is thatit?”

“What?” Gravelpaw pushed between them,craning his neck.

“The lake! Over there.” Violetpaw nodded withher muzzle. It looked wide even from here, stretchingbetween hillside and forest. She felt the tug of homeand wondered how Twigpaw was doing. It must have

felt strange to be left alone in SkyClan. Violetpawwondered again why Twigpaw had stayed behind.Perhaps she was hoping to show Leafstar that shewas a loyal Clanmate. Violetpaw knew how muchTwigpaw enjoyed the praise of older cats. I guess thatis just her way of fitting in. Violetpaw understood hersister’s need to be accepted. Didn’t I try to persuadeShadowClan to accept me as one of their own?And the rogues. In the end, Needletail had been theonly ShadowClan cat to treat her like kin. Violetpawfelt the familiar pang of grief. Needletail hadn’t visitedher since they’d reached the gorge. She must be madat me.

Palepaw interrupted her thoughts. “Where is ournew camp?”

Violetpaw stretched her nose toward the darktrees rising to one side of the lake. “Do you see thosepines?”

Fringepaw climbed the verge beside the rabbit trailthey were following. “I see them!”

“Where?” Palepaw pushed alongside her sister.“Over there!” Fringepaw mewed eagerly.Gravelpaw frowned. “Is the camp in a forest?”

“It must be dark all the time.” Palepaw glancedanxiously at Violetpaw.

“The camp’s not far from the lakeshore,”Violetpaw told her. “And living in a forest is great. It’ssheltered and there’s always prey.”

“There was always prey by the gorge,” Gravelpawtold her. “And there was a stream to drink from.”

“There’s a stream in the new camp,” Violetpawmewed.

Mintfur, who was a few tail-lengths ahead withNettlesplash and Rabbitleap, glanced over hershoulder. “I hope it hasn’t flooded.”

Violetpaw’s pelt prickled anxiously. What if it had?What if the camp had been washed away while theywere gone?

Behind her, Hawkwing sniffed casually. “Thatstream will never flood.” He was padding betweenCloudmist and Cherrytail, while Molewhisker andBlossomheart flanked them. “The forest floor is toomossy. Rain can soak away easily. And there arechannels that drain water toward the lake.”

Gravelpaw’s gaze was fixed on the horizon. “Howlong before we get there?”

“Two more sunups?” Hawkwing glancedquestioningly at Molewhisker.

Molewhisker nodded. “We won’t be there in timefor tomorrow’s full-moon gathering.” He soundedunworried. Violetpaw guessed that the ThunderClantom had enjoyed his adventure with the SkyClan cats.

So what if they missed the Gathering? Wouldn’t itbe better to let their new Clanmates settle in beforethey met the other Clans? She remembered howoverwhelmed she’d felt the first time she’d seen somany cats. And the other Clans would have more timeto get used to the idea of SkyClan’s new Clanmates.She wondered, with a twinge of unease, howShadowClan would feel about SkyClan growing sofast. She guessed that it wasn’t what they’d plannedwhen they’d offered SkyClan part of their territory.But she pushed the thought away. Who cared howShadowClan felt? She wasn’t a ShadowClan catanymore. Her new home was with SkyClan.

As the sun slipped below the horizon, Violetpawfelt a chill in her fur. Her belly growled with hunger.

“I’m tired,” Fringepaw mewed.“I’m hungry,” Nectarpaw chimed in.

Mintfur pulled up and turned to the patrol. Shelooked at Hawkwing. “Should we make camp for thenight?”

Violetpaw lifted her aching paws one at a time andshook them out, hoping he’d say yes.

Hawkwing scanned the hillside. He nodded to a dipwhere bushes gathered. A few trees circled it,promising shelter. “Let’s try over there,” he meowed.“That hollow looks like it might make a good camp.”

Nettlesplash whisked his tail. “You check out thehollow. I’ll take Gravelpaw and Nectarpaw huntingwith Mintfur.”

“I want to hunt too!” Palepaw mewed.Hawkwing dipped his head. “Okay. We’ll join you

when we’ve had a look.”“I can make nests,” Violetpaw offered. She could

see a stretch of bracken farther downslope where shecould gather fronds.

“I’ll help,” Fidgetpaw offered.Frecklewish narrowed her gaze as she peered

through the dying light. “I think I can see burdock. I’lldig up some roots. It will help with our aching paws.”

Cloudmist blinked gratefully at the medicine cat. “It

feels good to be part of a real Clan again.”Violetpaw’s heart ached with sudden happiness.

By the time the moon rose, she’d be settled into afresh nest with a full belly, Clanmates at her side. Shepurred to herself. Clan life was better than she’d everimagined before.

Violetpaw dreamed. Sunlight bathed a wide field.Ahead of her, a fat mouse scuttled through the grass.Licking her lips, she prepared to pounce. Somethingpricked at her pelt. Go away. She burrowed deeperinto her dream. The mouse was moving sleepily in thesunshine. It would be an easy catch. Her pelt prickedmore sharply. Stop it! Irritation tightened Violetpaw’sbelly. Something was trying to wake her. She grumbledin her sleep, trying to ignore the feeling that waspestering her.

It nagged harder, dragging her at last intowakefulness.

She opened her eyes.Darkness shrouded the small hollow. She could

hear the soft breathing of her sleeping companions.What had woken her? Puzzled, she lifted her head

and tasted the air.

The cool night air carried the scent of Needletail.She came back! Quickly, Violetpaw scrambled out

of her nest. She threaded her way between herClanmates and padded out of the hollow. The hillsidewas drenched in moonlight. She scanned the ripplinggrass for Needletail. Please be here. A shadowmoved near the bottom of the slope where heathercrowded. As Violetpaw raced toward it, the shadowslipped into the heather. “Needletail!” she hisseddesperately as she neared. “Stop!” She crashedthrough the bushes, spying Needletail’s pelt movingbetween the branches.

“Wait!” Fury pounded in Violetpaw’s chest. “Whydo you wake me up just to run away?” Was thisNeedletail’s revenge? “I’m sorry I left! You told me to,remember? I wanted to save you! I just felt like therewas nothing I could do. If I’d stayed, Darktail wouldhave killed me, and then he’d have killed all ourClanmates. Did you want that?”

Needletail’s pelt swished between the bushes.Then there was silence. Had she left?

Violetpaw pushed her way through the heatheruntil it opened into a small clearing. Needletail waited

there, her green eyes glinting in the moonlight.“Are you angry with me?” Violetpaw stared at her.

“Is that why you keep appearing?”Needletail nodded toward a tom, curled in a moss

nest beneath a clump of heather.Violetpaw froze, then hurried toward Needletail

and lowered her voice. “Who is he?”Needletail blinked at her. “He’s a cat I met many

moons ago.”Violetpaw was so surprised to hear Needletail’s

voice again that she hardly heard the words. Whynow? She forced herself to concentrate as Needletailwent on.

“I knew him when I was alive. Now he’s aroundevery time I return.”

“Return?” Violetpaw’s thoughts were spinning.“Return from where? Are you with StarClan?”

Needletail looked down at her softly glowing pelt.No stars showed there. “Do I look like I’m withStarClan?”

Violetpaw stiffened. “The Dark Forest?” sheasked anxiously.

“No.” Needletail shifted her paws. “I don’t know

where I go. I only know that when I open my eyes,I’m near him.”

“Can he see you?”“Yes.” Needletail flicked her ears. “He’s the only

one who can. Well, him and you.”“Is he dead too?” Violetpaw’s pelt rippled

nervously along her spine.“No.” Needletail looked at her as though she were

a mouse-brain. “That’s why I wanted to show him toyou. I think he’s important to the Clans. I think that’swhy I’m stuck here and why he’s always near.”

“What can I do to help?” Violetpaw was puzzled.“Take him with you,” Needletail ordered. “Take

him to the Clans.”“Why?”Needletail shrugged. “I don’t know. All I know is

that I can see him and I can see you. I think that I’mmeant to make you two meet and that you’re meant totake him to the Clans. If I help the Clans, then maybeI’ll find StarClan.”

Violetpaw gazed into Needletail’s eyes, pitytwisting her heart. It must be so lonely here. “I’ll takehim,” she promised.

Needletail turned toward the heather.“Are you leaving?” Violetpaw blinked at her.“This is your quest now.”“Don’t go!” One thought blazed in Violetpaw’s

mind. Are you still angry with me? Too scared to askout loud, she stared imploringly at Needletail. Urgencyflashed in her friend’s eyes.

“Please,” Needletail begged.She needs me! Violetpaw’s heart lifted, glad she

could help. But has she forgiven me? “Wait—”Before she could finish, Needletail disappeared amongthe heather. As the breeze whisked away her scent,Violetpaw knew she was gone.

She heard moss stir beside her. The tom waswaking. She backed away, her pelt bristling as he liftedhis head and yawned.

He stiffened as he caught sight of her. “Who areyou?” In a moment, he was on his paws, hackles high.

“Needletail brought me here,” Violetpaw mewedquickly.

“Needletail?” The tom looked surprised. “Can yousee her too?”

“Yes.” Violetpaw didn’t entirely trust this tom. She

glanced toward a gap in the heather. She could dartaway there if he turned nasty. “She was my friend,when she was alive.”

“I met her when she was an apprentice.” The tomnarrowed his eyes. “I didn’t see her again until aftershe died.”

“Why do you keep following her?” Violetpawasked.

The tom looked indignant. “She keeps followingme.” He glanced around the small clearing. “Is shehere?”

“She just left.” Violetpaw shifted her paws. “Shebrought me here to meet you.”

The tom’s eyes sparkled mischievously. “That waskind of her. Perhaps she thinks we’re soul mates.”

“Soul mates?” Violetpaw was confused.“It is kind of romantic, don’t you think? The

moonlight? The heather?”Romantic? Violetpaw bristled. “Do you flirt with

every strange cat you meet?”“Only the ones who appear in the middle of the

night claiming a ghost brought them.”Violetpaw struggled for words. This tom was being

impossible. “Stop it!” she snapped. “Needletail broughtme to you for a reason.” She saw his eyes flash withmischief again and pushed on quickly. “She thinks youmight help the Clans.”

The tom rolled his eyes. “You’re a Clan cat.” Hesounded disappointed.

“So?” Violetpaw glared at him.“There are two things I know about Clan cats.”

He climbed out of his nest. “They don’t like strangerson their land, and they take everything way tooseriously.”

“I don’t!” Violetpaw mewed indignantly.The tom’s ears twitched. “You seem to be taking

this very seriously.”“That’s because it is serious!” Violetpaw turned

her tail on him, fuming, and began to march through theheather.

“Hey, wait!” He hurried after her. “I thought youand Needletail wanted me to help the Clans.”

“I doubt that you’ve ever helped anyone butyourself.” Violetpaw kept walking.

“That’s not fair. You don’t even know me.” Thetom wove ahead of her and blocked her way as she

emerged onto the moonlit hillside.She stared at him, not speaking.“My name is Tree.” He rounded his eyes

apologetically. “I didn’t mean to tease. I didn’t realize itwould upset you.”

Violetpaw stared at her paws, annoyed that he’dbeen able to ruffle her fur so easily. “My name isVioletpaw,” she mumbled.

“That’s a pretty name.”She jerked up her muzzle. “Don’t start flirting

again!”He stepped back. “I’m not. It’s just a pretty name.

Most of the cats I meet are called Rocky or Snake orsomething dumb like that. And my name’s Tree.”

Violetpaw narrowed her eyes suspiciously. “Areyou a rogue?”

Tree shrugged. “I don’t know what I am. I travelalone and I hunt and sleep where I like.”

Violetpaw looked away and sniffed. “A loner.”“Is that what Clan cats call me?”For the first time, she heard uncertainty in his

mew. “I guess it’s better than being a rogue,” sheconceded. She looked him over. He was muscular. His

yellow pelt looked thick and well groomed. His ambereyes were bright and clear. Take him with you.Needletail’s words rang in her mind. Take him to theClans. Perhaps her friend was right. Perhaps theClans needed him. And it might help Needletail findher way to StarClan.

“We’re camped up there.” She nodded toward thehollow.

“We?”“Me and my Clanmates,” Violetpaw explained.

“We’re heading home. You should come with us.”“Why?”“Needletail thinks the Clans need you.”“Needletail’s dead.”“Then she probably knows more than we do.” Was

this tom going to make everything difficult? “Come tothe hollow at dawn. If you come now, you might alarmthe others.” She turned away, pausing when he didn’tcomment. “Will you come?”

“I guess.”Violetpaw shrugged, trying not to seem too eager.

“It might be the only way to stop Needletail hauntingyou.” She walked away, hoping that he would come. I

tried, she told Needletail silently.

An angry yowl woke Violetpaw. She jerked herhead up, blinking at the dawn light. Her companions’nests were empty. Hisses sounded from the edge ofthe hollow. Tree! She remembered at once and leapedup.

“Why are you here?” Hawkwing’s growl soundedbeyond the bushes.

“Violetpaw told me to come.”Violetpaw heard Tree’s mew and pushed past the

bushes. “He’s right!” She stopped beside Hawkwing.“I did tell him to come.”

Nettlesplash and Rabbitleap stood behind Tree,their hackles high. Mintfur and Blossomheart flankedhim while Frecklewish stared at him through narrowedeyes and the apprentices hung back and watched. Hewas surrounded.

As he saw Violetpaw, relief flashed in his gaze.“You took your time.” He smoothed his fur. “I wasbeginning to think you’d tricked me.”

Hawkwing looked at Violetpaw, puzzled. “Who ishe? Where did you meet him?”

“I found him last night,” she mewed. “Needletail

led me to him.”Hawkwing’s eyes widened. “I thought Needletail

was dead.”“She is.” Violetpaw felt suddenly helpless. How

was she going to explain?Frecklewish nosed her way between her

Clanmates. “Was Needletail from StarClan?”Violetpaw looked at the medicine cat, hope

pricking her paws. “She hasn’t found StarClan yet, butshe says she can’t seem to escape this cat. She thinkshe’s important. She said that if we take him to theClans, he might be able to help us. Then she’ll be ableto find her way to StarClan. I think we should let himcome with us.”

Nettlesplash stalked around Tree, sniffing him.“Does he want to come with us?”

“I don’t have anything else to do,” Tree sniffed.“And if you think I could help, I guess it can’t do anyharm.”

Fidgetpaw padded from the bushes, a vole danglingfrom his jaws. He dropped it and stared at Tree.“Who’s this?”

“This is Tree.” Nettlesplash flicked his tail

impatiently. “Violetpaw’s dead friend found him. Shethinks he might be important to the Clans. She wantshim to travel home with us.”

Gravelpaw shouldered his way past Mintfur. “Is hea rogue like Darktail?”

Tree sniffed. “Violetpaw says I’m a loner.”“A loner can’t do any harm,” Mintfur mewed.“He seems friendly,” Rabbitleap commented.“Can he hunt?” Blossomheart asked.Tree sat down and looked longingly at Fidgetpaw’s

vole. “While you discuss me, do you mind if I eatthis?” He swiped his tongue around his lips. “I’mstarving.”

Fidgetpaw nudged it toward him. “Go ahead.There seems to be plenty of prey here.”

“Thanks.” Tree grabbed it and took a bite.“I’m not sure Leafstar will be pleased if we bring

back a loner,” Blossomheart mewed.Mintfur twitched her tail. “But what if Violetpaw is

right? What if he is important to the Clans? If weleave him here, we might never find him again.”

“What if he’s lying?” Gravelpaw’s ear twitcheduncertainly. “He might be a rogue. He might be like

Darktail. There might be a whole gang of rogueswaiting for us to show him the way to our new camp.”

Tree poked the vole toward Violetpaw. “Have abite,” he meowed. “You must be hungry. You were uphalf the night.”

She looked at him, wondering how he could be sorelaxed.

“Are you a rogue?” Hawkwing nodded at Tree.Tree looked at him. “I’m not sure what a rogue is.

I told Violetpaw last night—I travel alone. I was bornin the wild. My mother left me as soon as I was oldenough to hunt. I’ve spent most of my life trying tostay away from Twolegs. They are obsessed withtrying to tempt me into their nests with food, but I don’twant to live in a Twoleg nest. Twolegs are noisy, andthey smell weird.”

Frecklewish let out a purr. “I know what youmean.” Her gaze warmed as it met Tree’s. “I’ve justescaped from a Twoleg hive.”

“Really?” Tree looked shocked. “How long wereyou there?”

“Moons.” Frecklewish nodded at Violetpaw.“Luckily, Violetpaw thought of a way for me to

escape.”Tree winked at Violetpaw. “She’s clearly got a

talent for rescuing cats.” He swallowed anothermouthful and burped. “So?” He looked around theSkyClan cats. “Am I coming with you?”

Hawkwing and Frecklewish exchanged looks.Then Frecklewish nodded.

“Yes.” Hawkwing dipped his head to the yellowtom. “If you’d like to.”

Violetpaw glanced at the sky, wondering ifStarClan was watching. Does this mean you’ll helpNeedletail find her way to you? She looked at Tree,who was washing his vole-stained paws. If Needletailcould find her way to StarClan, it would be worthputting up with this arrogant mouse-brain.

CHAPTER 19

For the first time in days, Twigpaw’s fur felt dry. Sherelished the fresh breeze in her pelt as she followedSparrowpelt and Sandynose along the ridge that led tothe ThunderClan border. Leafstar had sent them to re-mark the scent line, washed away after days of rain.

Sandynose nodded toward the stretch of forestwhere pine gave way to oak. Twigpaw breathed theThunderClan scents that rolled across the border,trying to ignore a pang of homesickness. She focusedon Sandynose.

“Well-marked borders make good neighbors,” hemeowed. “When every cat is clear where theirboundaries lie, there is no excuse formisunderstandings. And misunderstandings can lead tobattles.”

Twigpaw tried hard to look attentive. She pushedaway a prickle of resentment. Was Sandynose tryingto remind her that she hadn’t reported seeingDovewing and Tigerheart inside SkyClan territory?He’s just trying to be a good mentor, she told herself

sternly. She was determined to earn her warrior name.This wasn’t just her Clan; it was Hawkwing’s andVioletpaw’s Clan too. When they returned, she wantedthem to be proud of her.

“What did I say?” Sandynose was staring at her.“Good borders make good neighbors,” Twigpaw

repeated, hoping he hadn’t said anything else importantwhile she’d been caught in her own thoughts.

“Good.” He looked pleased.She puffed out her chest, relieved.Sparrowpelt marked the pines along the edge. “I

can’t wait until my kits are old enough to explorehere.” He glanced around the forest. “It’s a good placeto grow up.” The lake was visible between the trees,sparkling in the bright leaf-fall sunshine. Needlescrunched beneath his paws. Prey-scents hung on theair.

“Has Quailkit recovered from his sniffles?”Twigpaw asked.

“Yes.” Sparrowpelt purred. “Leafpool gave himcoltsfoot. This morning he felt so much better, hewanted to see if he could jump the stream. Sunnykitand Pigeonkit dared him to try.”

Sandynose flicked his tail. “It sounds as thoughTinycloud has her paws full with those three.”

“They’re a joy,” Sparrowpelt meowed as hemarked another tree. “Now I want the Clan to thrive,not just for my Clanmates, but for them.”

“Kits can be a worry.” Sandynose’s gaze darkenedthoughtfully. “We have so many hopes for them. Andyet we can’t protect them from every danger ordisappointment.” Twigpaw pricked her ears. Was hetalking about Finpaw? She wandered farther along theborder, sniffing for stale markers as he went on. “Andthey grow up so quickly, so sure they know everything,and so determined to make their own choices, even ifthey’re wrong. We can only pray that StarClan guidestheir paws.”

Twigpaw hurried ahead, following a weak scentline and refreshing it as she went. If he wascomplaining about Finpaw’s friendship with her, shedidn’t want to hear.

“Well done!” Sandynose called to her through thetrees. “You picked up that scent line well.”

Was he actually praising her? She looked at him,puzzled. Perhaps he wasn’t dropping hints about her

friendship with Finpaw after all. Stop being paranoid!“You seem to have a natural sense of where the

border lies,” Sandynose went on. Twigpaw didn’t tellhim that it used to be the old border with ShadowClan,and she’d marked the ThunderClan side many timeswith Ivypool. “Head toward the lake, and mark theborder there,” he told her. “Sparrowpelt and I will headtoward the ditches.”

He trusted her to work alone. Twigpaw lifted hertail. Had she won his confidence at last? Hope prickingin her pelt, she crossed the rise and followed a gullytoward the lake, carefully marking each tree as shepassed.

“Twigpaw!”She froze as she heard Finpaw’s mew. His pelt

flashed behind a bramble, and he bounced out,excitedly, and stopped in front of her.

She glanced nervously between the trees. Shecould still see Sandynose and Sparrowpelt headinginland. “Aren’t you supposed to be training withBellaleaf?” she breathed.

Finpaw paced excitedly back and forth. “She saidI’d done enough training this morning. I’m allowed to

explore. So I thought I’d come and explore with you.”“I’m training.” Twigpaw shifted uneasily.“I thought you were marking borders,” Finpaw

mewed. “I can help.”Her pelt pricked guiltily. “I’m not meant to hang

out with you,” she mewed softly.Finpaw frowned. “Why not?”Twigpaw glanced toward Sandynose. He had

disappeared behind some bracken. “Your father thinksyou’ll learn quicker if I’m not distracting you all thetime.”

“Sandynose said that?” Finpaw’s eyes widened.“He must have bees in his brain. You’ve helped me somuch!”

“Maybe you should just stick with Bellaleaf fornow. You do have a lot of catching up to do.” Twigpawtried to smooth over the awkwardness. She didn’twant to sour Finpaw’s relationship with his father. “Wecan hang out when we’re warriors.”

“Yeah, right.” Finpaw lashed his tail angrily. “Likeyou’ll want to hang out with me once you’re a greatwarrior and I’m just lumbering around like a clumsybadger because I’ve only got a half tail.”

Twigpaw stared at him. “I’ll always want to hangout with you.”

“So you think I will be like a clumsy badger?”“No!” Twigpaw’s ears twitched uncomfortably.

“Of course not. You’re going to be a great warrior too,if you train hard.”

Finpaw grunted crossly. “I’m never going to be thewarrior Sandynose hoped I would be. He knows it andI know it. It’s probably why he doesn’t want mehanging out with you. He probably thinks I’ll hold youback.”

Twigpaw stared at him. “That’s not true.”“Then why does he want to keep us apart?”Twigpaw shrugged. Should she tell him that she

suspected Sandynose would only ever see her as adisloyal ThunderClan cat?

“It’s not fair.” Finpaw sat down. “I’m never goingto be a great warrior, and now I’m not allowed to befriends with you.”

“No one will ever stop us being friends.” Twigpawpadded close. She stared at him until he returned hergaze. “You’re special to me.”

“I am?”

“Of course you are.” Twigpaw nudged his cheekwith her nose. “Once we’re warriors, no one will beable to keep us apart. I don’t care if it putsSandynose’s tail in a twist. You’re going to prove tohim that you’re a great warrior and so am I. We’ll bethe best warriors in SkyClan, and he won’t be able tostop us doing anything we want.”

Finpaw lifted his muzzle, his eyes bright. “You’reright. He might think he knows best now, but once wecan outrun, outhunt, and outfight him, he won’t be ableto tell us what to do.”

“Exactly.” Twigpaw’s heart lurched as sheglimpsed a brown pelt between the trees. Sandynosewas watching them. “But you’d better go and findBellaleaf now. I’ve got borders to mark before yourfather gets back.”

“Okay.” Finpaw stood up and flicked his half tailhappily. “I’ll see you back at camp later.” He trottedaway, glancing over his shoulder as he went.

As he disappeared behind the brambles, Twigpawturned toward Sandynose. Her mentor was headingtoward her. She tried to read his gaze. Was he angrythat she’d been talking to Finpaw?

“He came to talk to me,” she mewed defensively.“And you sent him away.” Sandynose looked

satisfied. “You did well. The harder each of youconcentrates on your duties, the faster you’ll earn yourwarrior names.”

And the faster Finpaw will lose interest in aThunderClan traitor. Twigpaw turned away. “I’ll goand mark the rest of the border.” She headed for thelake.

“We’ll meet you on the shore when you’re done,”Sandynose called after her.

Twigpaw tried to keep her pelt smooth. She shouldbe happy that she’d finally pleased Sandynose. But shecouldn’t help feeling that she’d been mouse-hearted. InThunderClan, she’d be a warrior by now. She wouldnever have let a SkyClan cat boss her around. Did shewant to be a SkyClan cat so much that she was willingto roll over and act like prey whenever Sandynoseordered her to? Anxiety rippled through her pelt.Would she ever earn the respect she’d had inThunderClan? Was this what it cost to stay withHawkwing, Violetpaw, and Finpaw?

Twigpaw followed Sandynose and Sparrowpelt

back to camp. As they neared the cedar grove, shestiffened. ThunderClan scent. The familiar smells ofIvypool, Cinderheart, and Bumblestripe hung on thebracken that lined the path. She leaned down andsniffed the needle-strewn earth, and their scentsbathed her nose. They had come this way recently.

She quickened her step, hurrying through the campentrance.

The three ThunderClan warriors faced Leafstar,speaking in low mews. Bellaleaf and Sagenose listenedas Finpaw moved restlessly behind them. Leafpoolwove anxiously around her Clanmates. Violetpawcould see there was something wrong. Ivypool’s peltwas unkempt. Bumblestripe’s fur was streaked withmud. She could see swelling around Cinderheart’sears.

“There was no warning,” Ivypool meowed.“The camp is ruined.” Bumblestripe’s eyes were

wide and dark.“What’s happened?” She hurried forward, cutting

into the conversation.Ivypool blinked at her solemnly. “There was a

rockslide in the camp,” she told her grimly.

Twigpaw tried to picture it, her belly tightening.“From the cliff?”

Bumblestripe nodded. “The rain loosened the earthup there. It brought down a great chunk of the cliffface.”

“Is anyone hurt?” Twigpaw could hardly believeher ears.

“Everyone is battered and bruised,” Ivypool toldher. “But no one died.”

“Snowbush is badly injured,” Cinderheart’s eyessparkled with worry. “Alderheart hasn’t left his side.”

Twigpaw’s throat tightened. “Is Lilyheart okay?”Lilyheart had been almost a mother to her.

“She’s fine,” Cinderheart told her. “But she’sworried about Snowbush. We all are.”

Sparrowpelt padded closer. “Did Blossomfall’s kitsescape?”

“We got them out before the worst of it,” Ivypoolreported.

Leafpool looked at Leafstar. “Perhaps I shouldreturn to ThunderClan to help with the injuries.”

“It’s okay,” Ivypool assured her. “Alderheart andJayfeather are managing.”

“But you said the medicine den is full of mud andstone.” Leafpool’s fur rippled along her spine.

“That’s why we came,” Ivypool told her. “Werescued some of the herbs. But we lost most of them.We were hoping you could spare some of yours.”

“Of course.” Leafpool glanced toward her den, asthough working out what she could give from herstore.

“We can gather more herbs for you,” Leafstaroffered.

“I know what they look like. I can help,” Twigpawvolunteered. Her early moons as a kit had been spentshadowing Alderheart while he’d been a medicine-catapprentice.

Sandynose swished his tail. “You’re supposed to betraining,” he told her.

She stared at him. “But this is an emergency.”“It’s ThunderClan’s emergency, not ours.”Twigpaw could hardly believe her ears. After all

ThunderClan had done for SkyClan. How could hebegrudge them help at a time like this?

Leafstar glanced around the camp. Fallowfern,Harrybrook and Plumwillow were watching from

beside the stream. “I don’t have many cats, but I’ll beglad to spare them,” she told Ivypool. “And of courseTwigpaw can help.” She looked sternly at Sandynose.“I’m sure her training can wait.”

Ivypool’s ears twitched. “I’m surprised there’sanything left for her to learn,” she mewed. “But weappreciate your help. ThunderClan is camped on theshore until we can shift the earth and stones awayfrom the dens. Patrols have been working day andnight since the rain stopped. We’re making goodprogress. But we need herbs for the injured.”

Leafstar nodded to Twigpaw. “If Leafpool tells youwhat herbs you need to gather, can you lead a patrol tofind them?”

Twigpaw nodded eagerly.“They’ll need thyme, comfrey, and marigold,”

Leafpool told her. “Goldenrod if you can find it, nettlesif you can’t.”

Leafstar signaled with her tail. “Take Fallowfern,Harrybrook and Plumwillow with you,” she toldTwigpaw. She turned to Ivypool. “Bellaleaf andFinpaw can escort you back to camp. Make use ofthem.”

Sandynose’s pelt ruffled. “Who’s going to protectour camp with so many cats gone?” He looked towardthe nursery, where Tinycloud was peering from theentrance.

“I’m sure we’ll be safe enough until sundown,”Leafstar told him. She nodded Twigpaw away with hernose. “The sooner you start, the more herbs you’llfind.”

Twigpaw headed for the entrance, pleased that shecould help.

Sandynose followed her. He blocked her path andleaned close to her ear as Fallowfern and Harrybrookhurried toward her. “You can’t live with a paw in twocamps,” he hissed.

She stepped away, blinking at him. “Are youaccusing me of being disloyal?”

“No.” His gaze was cold. “You will make a greatwarrior one day. But first you need to decide whichClan you want to fight for.”

His words cut like thorns. She stared as he stalkedaway. And yet she couldn’t feel angry with him.Guiltily, she recognized the truth. Shame scorched herpelt. Sandynose had seen something she didn’t want to

admit even to herself. Her heart lay as much withThunderClan as with SkyClan. If staying here meantturning her back on her old Clan, was it a decision shecould ever live with?

CHAPTER 20

Alderheart dipped his pad into the dried oak he’dchewed into ointment and ran it gently over the cut onSorrelstripe’s leg. She winced a little.

“How sore is it?” He checked for warmth andswelling at the edges of the broken skin, relieved whenhe found none.

“It just stings,” she told him.“It should heal in a few days,” Alderheart assured

her. He leaned back and looked around the makeshiftcamp. Nests crowded beneath the birch branches thatoverhung the shore. The swollen lake lapped thepebbles nearby. They’d built the camp hurriedly, andnests were unraveling, sticks and twigs dangling fromthem already, and moss scattered around their edges.

Bramblestar had reported that their camp in thehollow would be habitable soon, but it would be a longtime before all the stone and earth would becompletely cleared. Some of the fallen rocks were toobig to move and would always remain in the clearing, areminder of the disaster.

No cat died. Alderheart looked at the nest whereSnowbush lay. Not yet, at least. The tom hadn’tmoved since he’d collapsed into it. Alderheart andJayfeather had bound his broken leg and eased honeyand nettles into his mouth to fight the fever that hadgripped him. Lilyheart had hardly left his side. She waswith him now, resting her front paws on the side of hisnest. Her eyes glittered with worry. Alderheart wishedhe could tell her that Snowbush would recover soon,but the infection was lingering, and he could tell fromthe quiet way Jayfeather moved around him that theblind medicine cat didn’t hold out much hope for thewhite tom.

As Sorrelstripe limped away, weariness dragged atAlderheart’s bones. He’d hardly slept since therockslide. There were too many cats to take care of.The falling stones had left the whole Clan cut andbruised. Perhaps now, though, he could nap. TheGathering was tonight. He wanted to be alert. What ifone of the leaders brought a clue about the six-toedcat? Or more evidence of the coming storm.

He reasoned with himself, looking at the blue sky,reflected in the still lake. The rain has stopped. He

wanted to believe the worst was over. But untilStarClan’s prophecy had been fulfilled and the six-toedcat had been found, how could there be anything butdarkness waiting?

He crouched and rested his chin on his paws,allowing his eyes to close. Pebbles crunched as hisClanmates came and went around him. Fresh-killscents drifted on the air. Eaglekit and Stemkitsqueaked excitedly among the trees. We are still here.Alderheart comforted himself as sleep blurred theedges of his thoughts.

“Alderheart!” Lilyheart’s panicked mew jerkedhim awake.

He jumped to his paws as Lilyheart shookSnowbush. The white tom’s head lolled back, thewhites of his eyes showing. Alderheart leaped acrossthe pebbles and skidded to a halt beside the nest.“Jayfeather!” His wail echoed along the shore. Wherehad he gone?

He touched his paws to Snowbush’s chest. Thewhite tom jerked suddenly beneath them. Heat burnedthrough Alderheart’s pads. “We have to cool himdown!” He ripped a wad of moss from the nest and

shoved it toward Lilyheart. “Soak this in the lake andbring it back.” Lilyheart snatched it between her jawsand raced for the water’s edge.

Snowbush jerked again, flapping from one side ofhis nest to the other, his eyes staring blindly. Foamfrothed at the corners of his mouth. “Help me hold himstill,” Alderheart yowled desperately.

Poppyfrost leaped to help, throwing herself overSnowbush’s hind legs. Bumblestripe hurried to the nestand pushed his paws against Snowbush’s chest.Alderheart tried to hold Snowbush’s head still, but thetom was thrashing too wildly. His thoughts spun. Wasthere an herb that would stop this? He tried to think asSnowbush struggled in his paws. Had Jayfeather evermentioned one?

“What’s wrong with him?” Poppyfrost wailed, hereyes glittering with fear.

“The fever.” Alderheart glanced at Snowbush’sbroken leg, flailing while Poppyfrost tried to pin itdown. Could Snowbush feel the pain? Was he awareof anything? Desperation showed in the tom’s franticgaze. Spit dribbled from his mouth.

Suddenly, the tom fell still. Alderheart slumped with

relief. The fit was over. Then he saw Snowbush’seyes. They were dull. Grief stabbed Alderheart’s chestas he recognized death in them.

Pebbles swished as Lilyheart reached him. Shedropped dripping moss beside the nest. “Is he okaynow?” She gazed at Snowbush.

Alderheart dragged his gaze from the tom to thesmall, dark tabby she-cat. “He’s dead,” he croaked.

“Dead?” Lilyheart backed away. “But hesurvived the rockslide. His leg was broken, that wasall.” She blinked in disbelief.

“We couldn’t cure the infection.” Alderheart gazedat her. He felt helpless. “It was inside. We couldn’treach it.”

As he spoke, Jayfeather hurried toward him,weaving past Poppyfrost and Bumblestripe, who werestaring in horror at Snowbush. The blind medicine catreached the nest and touched his nose to Snowbush’sthroat. With a sigh, he gently closed the tom’s eyeswith his paw. “StarClan will protect him now.”

Lilyheart’s eyes flashed with anger. “Why didn’tthey protect him before?”

Jayfeather bowed his head wordlessly.

Alderheart searched for something to say thatmight comfort the she-cat, but her question rang in hismind like the plaintive cry of an owl. Why didn’t theyprotect him before?

The journey to the island was slow. Alderheart’spaws felt as heavy as his heart. Back in the makeshiftcamp, Millie and Graystripe were sitting vigil, to bejoined by the rest of the Clan when the Gathering wasover. His Clanmates moved silently around him, asthough drained of words by the horror of the past fewdays. Jayfeather had also stayed behind for the vigil.

Sparkpelt padded beside Alderheart, her peltbrushing his. He felt her looking at him from time totime, but she didn’t speak; neither did he.

Bramblestar led the way over the tree-bridge andinto the clearing. WindClan was already waitingbeneath the Great Oak, their pelts rippling withanticipation. RiverClan wasn’t here. Had Alderheartsecretly hoped they would come? Perhaps. But heknew his hope had been empty.

SkyClan paced near the center. They seemeddifferent from the lost Clan that had followedThunderClan to the island a moon ago. This time they

met the gazes of WindClan and ShadowClan catswithout apology. They walked with their heads up,purpose in their steps.

ShadowClan kept to the edge. Rowanstar sat inthe shadows, away from his Clanmates. Hadsomething happened? He remembered the tension he’dseen in their camp when he’d visited with Willowshine.Alderheart tried to catch the gazes of Puddleshine andthen Tawnypelt, but it was like trying to catchbutterflies in the wind. His belly tightened.

Alderheart took his place beside Kestrelflight andLeafpool. Puddleshine joined them but still avoidedAlderheart’s eye.

“How’s Snowbush?” Leafpool asked.Alderheart blinked at her, wishing there were a

way to break the news more gently. “He died thisafternoon.” He still could hardly believe it.

Her eyes clouded. “The infection?”“We couldn’t stop it spreading.” Guilt pricked at

Alderheart’s pelt.Puddleshine shifted beside him. “I’m sorry,” he

meowed. “I didn’t realize.”He noticed Puddleshine glancing at Rowanstar.

“Are you okay?” he asked.“I’m fine.” Puddleshine shifted his paws uneasily.Alderheart glanced questioningly at Kestrelflight.Kestrelflight shrugged but didn’t comment on

Puddleshine’s nervousness. Instead he returned theconversation to ThunderClan. “What causedSnowbush’s infection?” he asked.

“A mudslide destroyed our camp during the storm,”Alderheart told him. “Snowbush was crushed by fallingrock.”

Kestrelflight’s eyes widened. “Do you think it’s theprophecy?”

Alderheart returned his gaze. “I don’t know,” hemewed. “But I hope we find the six-toed cat soon. Ifthe dark skies brought this, then what else will theybring?”

Puddleshine looked away quickly, as though hidinghis thoughts.

Bramblestar leaped onto the lowest branch of theGreat Oak, moving so that Harespring and Leafstarcould take their places beside him. Rowanstar crossedthe clearing wearily and jumped up beside them.

“It feels strange without Willowshine and

Mothwing,” Kestrelflight whispered, glancing at theempty space beside them.

Alderheart suddenly realized how many cats weremissing. Not just RiverClan, but Dovewing andSnowbush. He glanced to the place where the deputiesusually sat. The she-cat was alone besideCrowfeather. He guessed that Hawkwing had not yetreturned from his quest to find SkyClan’s missingClanmates. But where was Tigerheart?

Bramblestar’s mew interrupted his thoughts.“We are here tonight with StarClan’s blessing,” he

meowed. “The rains, which have battered every Clan,have brought special tragedy to ThunderClan. Amudslide pulled down part of the cliff that has alwaysprotected our camp. Snowbush died today of hisinjuries.” Shocked whispers rippled through the Clansas Bramblestar went on. “Our camp will take a longtime to clear. But the rest of the Clan suffered onlyminor injuries.” He nodded to Leafstar. “SkyClan haskindly helped us by providing much-needed herbs.”

“It was the least we could do,” Leafstar dipped herhead. “SkyClan is sorry for your tragedy. We willalways be grateful that you have let Leafpool live with

us while we are without our own medicine cat.Because of her, Tinycloud has brought three healthykits into our Clan. Our camp is nearly finished, and weare enjoying our new territory. We hope to have moreClanmates soon. Hawkwing’s patrol is expected backany day, and I feel certain he will bring with him oldfriends left behind at the gorge.” She lifted her muzzle.“SkyClan will be a whole Clan once more.”

“WindClan has also thrived, despite the weather,”Harespring announced. He bowed to Bramblestar. “Iam sorry for your loss. If there are any moorland herbsyou need, Alderheart and Jayfeather are welcome togather them. StarClan has blessed WindClan. Therains left us unscathed. Indeed, they have keptTwolegs and their dogs away. We have been able tohunt in peace and safety.”

Alderheart felt a glimmer of hope. Perhaps he’dbeen too focused on ThunderClan’s tragedy. WindClanand SkyClan seemed to be thriving. There were newkits in the Clans. ThunderClan had suffered in themudslide, but the camp could be repaired. Snowbush’sloss was heartbreaking, but the past moons had beenfilled with so many deaths; perhaps the loss of a single

cat this moon was a sign the storms that had besetthem were easing. Had the Clans avoided disasterwithout realizing it?

He puffed out his chest, ignoring the worry stillgnawing in his belly, as Rowanstar shifted in the GreatOak. The ShadowClan leader looked hollow-eyed ashe lifted his muzzle. His pelt clung to his frame,showing his ribs.

“You may have noticed,” he began, “thatTigerheart is not present tonight.”

Squirrelflight fidgeted uneasily as the Clans lookedat the empty spot beside her.

“He went missing a few days ago.”Alderheart’s pelt prickled along his spine. He

glanced at Ivypool. Her ears were twitching nervously.Brackenfur whispered in Cinderheart’s ear.Bumblestripe and Honeyfur exchanged glances, andAmbermoon looked at her paws. They had all seenTigerheart and Dovewing share prey when Tigerhearthad lived with ThunderClan. Knowing looks had beenexchanged when the two warriors had volunteered alittle too eagerly for the same hunting patrol. Whispershad filled the elders’ den and nursery when Dovewing

had sat beside Tigerheart during Clan meetings.When Dovewing had gone missing, the Clan had

been worried, but beneath the worry there had been asense of suspicion, which no cat had voiced under thedefensive glare of Ivypool.

Now Ivypool seemed to shrink beneath her pelt.Tigerheart’s disappearance was too much to be acoincidence. Could Dovewing really have deserted herClan to be with the ShadowClan deputy?

Rowanstar went on. “We have sent out searchparties, but he clearly took pains to cover his trail.There’s been no sign of him. He gave no clue aboutwhere he was going or why he left.”

Fernsong lifted his muzzle. “Perhaps he went insearch of the six-toed cat.”

Crowfeather scowled. “Tigerheart would love tobe remembered as the cat who saved the Clans.”

Alderheart wanted to believe the story. Setting offon his own quest to fulfil a StarClan prophecy might bethe sort of thing Tigerheart would do. PerhapsDovewing was helping him. Perhaps their onlyintention was to protect their Clans.

Rowanstar gazed darkly out at the gathered cats.

“If Tigerheart wanted to save the Clans, he shouldhave stayed where he was most needed.”

There was an ominous ring in his mew. Alderheartsuddenly felt the leaf-fall chill through his pelt.

“I have been struggling to hold ShadowClantogether.” Rowanstar’s gaze was hard. “I had hoped,with a strong deputy like Tigerheart, that we couldovercome the betrayals that have split the Clan overthe past moons. But Tigerheart has left us.” Angerflashed in his gaze as it swept around his Clanmates. “Icould not hold the faith of my Clan before the roguessplit us in two. I do not have the strength to repair thewounds that have been inflicted since then.”

Alderheart’s belly tightened as he sawShadowClan stare back at their leader, their eyesreflecting the cold light of the moon. Was there noshred of loyalty left?

“I can no longer lead ShadowClan,” Rowanstarmeowed.

Alderheart’s breath caught in his throat. WindClan,ThunderClan, and SkyClan watched silently asShadowClan shifted, exchanging glances. Had theyknown Rowanstar would do this?

Scorchfur stared at Rowanstar, his gazeunreadable. Juniperclaw leaned close to Strikestoneand whispered in his ear. Only Whorlpaw, Flowerpaw,and Snakepaw looked alarmed.

Rowanstar went on. “Leafstar.” He dipped hishead. “I give our territory to you in exchange for ahome. Let me, and whatever Clanmates I have left,join SkyClan.”

Scorchfur lashed his tail. “You can’t give our landaway!”

Grassheart turned on the dark gray tom. “Hewouldn’t have to if your sharp tongue hadn’t cut theClan into shreds.”

“Don’t blame me!” Scorchfur looked outraged.“Scorchfur wasn’t alone in wanting a stronger

leader than Rowanstar,” Juniperclaw snarled.Tawnypelt’s fur bristled. “No leader could have

been strong enough to deal with so much treachery!”Whorlpaw, Flowerpaw, and Snakepaw backed

away from their Clanmates, their eyes wide with fear.As Stonewing and Grassheart bunched around theirkits, Puddleshine pushed his way through the crowd.

The ShadowClan medicine cat blinked up at

Leafstar. “Rowanstar is making the wisest decision.Without Tigerheart, we are no more than a bickeringmob of starlings. We need the security of a Clan andthe safety of Clanmates who hold the warrior codeclose to their hearts.”

Scorchfur narrowed his eyes. “I’ve always stayedtrue to the warrior code.”

“Then obey it now and support your leader in hisdecision.” Puddleshine glared at him.

“He wants to give up our territory!” Juniperclawspat.

“He wants his Clan to be safe.” Puddleshine liftedhis chin.

Stonewing blinked slowly. “There aren’t enoughcats left in ShadowClan to patrol our borders. If wejoin SkyClan, at least we can train our apprentices sothat they can become better warriors than we havebeen.”

Alderheart watched the shocked silence, hardlydaring to breathe. ShadowClan was disappearing. Howcould a Clan simply cease to exist? He looked atLeafstar.

“We will welcome any ShadowClan warriors who

wish to join us,” the SkyClan leader meowed calmly.“We will be honored to have them. But those who donot join must leave the territory. I will not haveoutcasts living on the land Rowanstar has given us.”

Anxious mews sounded from among the otherClans.

Nightcloud’s ears twitched anxiously. “SkyClanmust not replace ShadowClan!”

“That’s not what StarClan meant when they ledthem here,” Leafpool called.

Passion surged in Alderheart’s chest. “There mustbe five Clans!”

He saw Sparkpelt lean forward to speak. Was shegoing to agree with him this time? “It didn’t take longfor SkyClan to claim more territory!” She staredaccusingly at the SkyClan cats. “I knew they shouldn’thave come here.”

“We didn’t claim territory!” Sandynose yowledback. “We have taken nothing that wasn’t given to usfreely.”

“The lake Clans were falling apart when wearrived,” Sagenose added. “It’s not our fault.”

The words struck Alderheart like a blow. Sagenose

was right. The rogues had torn ShadowClan apart.They’d driven RiverClan to hide within their borderslike loners. Five Clans was supposed to be ourdestiny, and now we are three. The ground seemedto shift beneath Alderheart’s paws. This is the storm.Bringing SkyClan back was supposed to have madethe Clans stronger, but instead it had brought about theend of ShadowClan.

He stared desperately at Leafpool. “This is allwrong!” he breathed.

She gazed at him, her eyes like dark pools. “Thereis nothing we can do but listen for StarClan.”

StarClan! Anger choked Alderheart. StarClan’smeddling had caused this storm. Why should he believethat they would fix it?

CHAPTER 21

Wind blustered across the lake, whipping smallwaves into whitecaps. The sun lifted into a vivid bluesky. Violetpaw breathed in the musty scents of theleaf-fall forest. She smelled the peaty tang of moorlandand looked toward the heather-covered hill, wonderingif WindClan cats were watching her patrol’s progressaround the shore.

Her paws ached. She glanced back at Cloudmistand Cherrytail. Their paws must be raw from thejourney. They weren’t used to such traveling andlooked weary and anxious.

Cloudmist looked nervously from water to forest.“Where does SkyClan live?”

Hawkwing, padding beside her, nodded to thehalfbridge and the pine trees beyond. “Our land isthere.”

Tree narrowed his eyes. “Last time I was here,warriors chased me off.”

“They won’t chase you off this time,” Hawkwingpromised.

Cherrytail tasted the air as they neared the trees,her pelt suddenly rippling excitedly. “I can smellSkyClan scent!”

Fidgetpaw and Frecklewish lifted their noses, theireyes brightening as they smelled it too.

Gravelpaw glanced at his littermates. “It doesn’tsmell like our scent,” he grunted.

“Yes it does,” Fringepaw argued. “It’s just a bitmuskier, that’s all.”

Violetpaw flicked her tail happily. “Your scent willsmell the same once you’ve eaten forest prey for amoon.”

Gravelpaw huffed. “I don’t want to smelldifferent.”

Mintfur padded closer to her kit, brushing besidehim. “Change can be hard,” she mewedsympathetically. “But you’ll be among Clanmates.”

“I was already among Clanmates at the gorge,”Gravelpaw grumbled.

Violetpaw fell in beside him. “Wait till you meetTwigpaw. She’s great. So is Finpaw. And Reedpawand Dewpaw. They’re really nice.”

Behind them, Molewhisker halted. “I should leave

you here.” He glanced toward the oak forest at the topof the shore. They were crossing ThunderClanterritory.

Hawkwing faced the brown-and-cream tom.“Thank you for your help.” He dipped his headformally, then touched his muzzle to Molewhisker’sshoulder. “If you ever need help, SkyClan is in yourdebt.”

Molewhisker blinked at him warmly. “It’s beenfun.” He glanced at Frecklewish. “And I’m alwayshappy to help rescue a Clan cat from Twolegs.”

Frecklewish purred. She’d relished the journeymore than anyone, running ahead to see what lay overthe next rise and scrambling up hills to feel fresh windin her fur. Clearly she was delighted to be free of herTwoleg prison.

Violetpaw blinked gratefully at Molewhisker as theThunderClan tom headed toward the oaks. “Good-bye!” she called. “Thanks!”

He flicked his tail in reply before disappearingamong the undergrowth.

Hawkwing picked up the pace as they neared thehalfbridge, turning inland and heading toward the pines.

Violetpaw’s heart quickened. How was Twigpaw?Had she missed them? She couldn’t wait to share heradventures with her sister.

As Hawkwing led the way up the short steep bank,Rabbitleap’s pelt began to prickle uneasily.

Violetpaw glanced at him. “Are you okay?”Blossomheart wrinkled her nose. “Can you smell

that?”The patrol slowed behind Hawkwing as they

padded into the pine forest.Violetpaw tasted the air. What had spooked her

Clanmates? A sour tang touched her tongue. “Is thatShadowClan scent?”

“Yes.” Hawkwing stopped and scanned the trees.His hackles lifted.

Rabbitleap stretched his muzzle to sniff a bramble.Blossomheart padded forward and sniffed the

ground. “It’s everywhere. And it’s fresh.”Cloudmist’s eyes widened in alarm. “Are you sure

we’re on SkyClan territory?”“Of course.” Hawkwing’s fur was bristling. He

padded forward.Violetpaw unsheathed her claws. Had

ShadowClan taken back their land while the patrol hadbeen gone?

“Let’s check the camp,” Rabbitleap suggested.With a nod, Hawkwing hurried past the brambles,

onto the track that led to the cedar grove.Violetpaw followed, her Clanmates bunched close

around her. The ShadowClan smell strengthened asthey neared the camp. Violetpaw’s mouth grew dry.Had ShadowClan driven SkyClan out? She tasted theair again, confused as she smelled recent SkyClanscents. The familiar smell rolled from the fern walls ofthe camp, visible now between the trees.

Hawkwing was frowning, clearly puzzled.Violetpaw pricked her ears for the sound of conflict,but as they neared the entrance, she heard the cheerfulmew of Finpaw.

“We’re going to need lots more moss!”“And ferns.” Twigpaw answered him.“I’ll take Whorlpaw and Flowerpaw into the forest

to collect some.” Finpaw sounded excited. “You stayhere with Dewpaw and Snakepaw and finish the nestswe’ve already started.”

Whorlpaw, Flowerpaw, and Snakepaw? Weren’t

they ShadowClan apprentices? Why were theyhelping Twigpaw build nests?

She caught Rabbitleap’s eye. Her mentor lookedbewildered. The stench of ShadowClan was so strongas they neared the camp entrance that Violetpawclosed her mouth. “What’s going on?”

As she spoke, Finpaw hurtled from the campentrance, Whorlpaw and Flowerpaw at his tail. Heskidded to a halt as he saw the patrol. His eyeswidened in surprise, and then happiness. “You’reback!” His gaze flitted to the cats following Hawkwingand Blossomheart. “And you found our Clanmates!”

Hawkwing stared at Whorlpaw and Flowerpaw.“What’s going on here?”

Finpaw glanced at the ShadowClan apprentices.“Leafstar will explain.” He mewed quickly. “We needto fetch ferns and moss.” His gaze flickered overGravelpaw, Fringepaw, Palepaw, and Nectarpaw. “Itlooks like the apprentices’ den is going to be very full!”

Without explaining, he hared away into the forest,Whorlpaw and Flowerpaw racing after him.

Violetpaw was pleased to see that his tail hadhealed and he seemed happy. But she didn’t

understand why he was so excited to be collectingsupplies with ShadowClan apprentices.

Hawkwing fluffed out his pelt. “Come on,” hegrowled. “Let’s find out what’s happened.” Hemarched into camp.

As Violetpaw followed him through the fern tunnel,she blinked in surprise. The half-built camp they hadleft had been transformed. The walls of the dens wereneatly woven. Lichen and brambles padded themedicine den. Ferns had been cleared to leave a wide,open space around the stream.

And cats were everywhere. She stared atSandynose and Plumwillow lazing in a patch of grasswhile Tinycloud rolled on her back beside them, lettingQuailkit, Pigeonkit, and Sunnykit scramble over herbelly. On the other side of camp, ShadowClan warriorswere pushing pawfuls of moss through the entrance ofthe warriors’ den. Inside, Sparrowpelt was givingorders. “There’s enough space for five more nests, butI think we’ll have to build a second den if every cat’sgoing to stay warm through leaf-bare.”

Stonewing surveyed the bramble walls fromoutside. “There’s room here to extend the walls.” He

glanced at the low branches of the cedar, hangingoverhead. “This tree will make a natural roof.”

“We can fetch supplies from our old camp,”Grassheart meowed.

Hawkwing stared, his mouth open. “What inStarClan is going on here?”

At his mew, Leafstar nosed her way through thelichen that covered the entrance to her den in thehollow of the old cedar. Her eyes lit up as she saw thepatrol. “You’re back!” Tail high, she scrambled downthe twisted roots and hurried to meet her Clanmates.She wove between Cherrytail and Cloudmist, touchingnoses with Nettlesplash and Mintfur before stopping infront of Frecklewish. “You’re safe.” Eyes glistening,she pressed her cheek to the medicine cat’s.

Leafpool and Puddleshine padded from themedicine den and watched the returning cats curiously.

Tree backed away as Plumwillow and Sandynoseleaped to their paws and bustled around their oldClanmates.

“How was the journey?”“Are you well?”They peppered them with questions while

Fallowfern, Bellaleaf, and Sagenose hurried to jointhem.

Violetpaw looked past them to Twigpaw.Twigpaw gazed at her, eyes shining, for a moment,

before racing from the apprentices’ den to greet her.Purring loudly, she rubbed her muzzle alongVioletpaw’s jaw, then turned to press her cheek toHawkwing’s nose. “You’re safe.” Her words came asa happy sigh. She blinked at the rest of the patrol.“And you found so many.”

“We’re glad to be home,” Hawkwing told her.“How have you been?”

“Great!”Violetpaw thought she saw hesitation flash in

Twigpaw’s gaze. Had she really been fine?Twigpaw didn’t give her a chance to wonder.

“How was the journey? Was it hard finding ourClanmates? Were there dogs? Foxes?” She wasbreathless with excitement.

“We’ll tell you about it later.” Hawkwing soundeddistracted. His gaze kept flitting to Rowanstar, whowas crouched stiffly beside Tawnypelt while hisClanmates watched SkyClan’s reunion. “First we need

to know what’s going on here.” He padded to Leafstar,interrupting her conversation with Frecklewish andFidgetpaw. “Why are there ShadowClan warriors inour camp?” he asked bluntly.

Silence spread among the SkyClan cats.ShadowClan moved closer together. Rowanstarnarrowed his eyes.

Only Snakepaw carried on chattering. “I hopeFinpaw brings back plenty of ferns. We’re going toneed even more nests than we thought. I’ve neverseen so many—” She stopped as she looked around,as though suddenly aware that she was the only cattalking.

Leafstar met Hawkwing’s gaze. “Rowanstardisbanded ShadowClan at the Gathering last night. Heasked for sanctuary here for himself and his Clan.”

“Sanctuary?” Hawkwing looked around. “Fromwhat? Are the rogues back?”

“No.” Leafstar glanced at the ShadowClan leaderand lowered her voice. “I think he wanted sanctuaryfrom his own Clanmates,” she whispered.

Hawkwing’s eyes narrowed. “But they’re here,with him.”

“They are SkyClan now,” Leafstar told him. “And,unlike Rowanstar, I will not tolerate disloyalty orarguments between Clanmates.”

Violetpaw shifted her paws uneasily. She looked atthe ShadowClan leader, hunched at the edge of thecamp; she could understand why his Clanmates hadlost respect for him. He seemed defeated in a wayLeafstar could never be.

Blossomheart frowned. “So ShadowClan is part ofSkyClan now?”

“Yes,” Leafstar meowed. “Rowanstar gave ustheir land. And without land, a Clan can’t survive.”

“We did,” Hawkwing reminded her.“Only just.” Leafstar looked around at her returned

Clanmates. “But now we are together once more, andwe have our own territory.” She began purring. “Youmust be hungry. I will organize hunting patrols.”

Violetpaw realized that her belly was hollow. Thestale mouse she’d eaten that morning had done little tosatisfy the hunger of traveling for so long.

“Bellaleaf.” Leafstar nodded to the pale orangeshe-cat. “Take Sandynose and two ShadowClanwarriors and hunt near ShadowClan’s old camp.

Plumwillow, take Sagenose—”Sandynose cut in. He was staring at Tree. “Who’s

he?”The loner shifted nervously a tail-length outside the

group. “I’m Tree,” he murmured.Leafstar blinked at Nettlesplash. “Did you recruit

him at the gorge?”Nettlesplash shook his head.Violetpaw stepped forward. “I found him,” she

mewed. “He was on his own. I thought he shouldcome with us.”

“Needletail led Violetpaw to him,” Hawkwingexplained.

Leafstar looked puzzled. “I thought Needletail wasdead.”

“She is,” Hawkwing told her. “She visitedVioletpaw and told her that Tree was important to theClans.”

Tawnypelt padded forward, staring at Tree throughnarrowed eyes. “He looks familiar,” she mewed. “Ithink I saw him with Needletail many moons ago.” Shepaced around the loner, inspecting him. “But havingNeedletail as a friend is no recommendation.” Her

gaze flicked sharply to Violetpaw.“That’s not fair!” Violetpaw bristled. “Needletail

gave her life to save the Clans!”“After she betrayed them,” Tawnypelt growled.Hawkwing moved closer to Violetpaw. “Violetpaw

trusts Needletail, and I trust Violetpaw.”“Violetpaw is young. The young make mistakes.”

Leafstar’s hard gaze flitted from Violetpaw toRowanstar. “We have seen for ourselves whathappens to a Clan that lets strangers in.”

Violetpaw’s heart sank. She’s going to send himaway! “But he might be important!” She had to stopLeafstar from making the wrong choice.

Leafstar looked unconvinced. “If he wereimportant, StarClan would have led you to him, notNeedletail. She can’t be truste—”

“Wait!” Puddleshine cut her off. The medicine catwas staring at Tree’s paws. He pushed his waythrough the crowd of SkyClan cats and nudgedTawnypelt out of the way. “Look at his hind paw!” Hispelt was prickling excitedly.

Leafpool hurried after him, following his gaze. “Sixtoes,” she breathed. She stared at Leafstar. “There

really is a six-toed cat. This is the cat StarClan told usabout!”

Hawkwing frowned, puzzled. “StarClan told youabout Tree?”

“They sent a vision to Willowshine,” Puddleshinetold him. “They showed her a cat with six toes on itshind paw and said, ‘To fend off a storm, you will needan extra claw.’” The medicine cat’s eyes shone withrelief. “And now we’ve found him.”

Leafpool’s gaze trailed thoughtfully over Tree. “Weneed to figure out what’s special about him.”

“And how he can help us.” Puddleshine pacedexcitedly around the loner.

Leafstar’s tail twitched. “I suppose that if StarClanhas prophesied it, then we must accept you.” Shepadded closer to Tree, wariness in her gaze. “Fornow.”

Relief flooded through Violetpaw. She wondered ifNeedletail could see this. Was she on her way toStarClan?

“Bellaleaf! Plumwillow!” Leafstar beckoned to thetwo warriors. “Take those hunting patrols out. Wehave mouths to feed.”

The Clans broke from the stillness that had heldthem. Violetpaw blinked as warriors moved aroundher. It felt strange to be home and surrounded by somany cats. She glanced toward the apprentices’ den.

Twigpaw’s pelt brushed her side. “Finpaw and Ihave been building nests since you went. But we didn’trealize we’d need so many.” She glanced towardFringepaw and her littermates. “I’m not sure theapprentices’ den will be big enough.”

Leafstar padded toward them, her muzzle high.“You two won’t need nests.” She caught Violetpaw’seye. “It’s time you and your sister moved to thewarriors’ den.”

Excitement welled in Violetpaw’s chest. “Really?”She could hardly believe her ears.

Leafstar dipped her head. “Twigpaw has learnedenough about SkyClan’s ways, and you have traveledbeyond the horizon to bring your Clanmates home. Youhave both earned warrior names.”

Violetpaw turned to Twigpaw, her heart almostbursting with joy. At last they would be warriorstogether, fighting and hunting for the same Clan. With apurr, she touched Twigpaw’s cheek. Everything was

finally as it should be.

CHAPTER 22

Twigpaw felt Violetpaw’s breath on her cheek. Theywere going to be warriors. She waited for happiness towell in her chest, but nothing stirred.

Hawkwing’s rich purr throbbed in her ears. “I’mproud of you both,” he rumbled. “You’ll be greatSkyClan warriors.”

Fringepaw, Reedpaw, and Dewpaw crowdedaround them. Twigpaw blinked numbly, wondering whyshe felt so far away.

“You’re going to get your warrior name!”Dewpaw thrust his muzzle against hers.“Congratulations.” His eyes widened. “I have to fetchFinpaw. He’ll want to watch the ceremony.”

Twigpaw didn’t move as the tom raced out ofcamp.

“Twigpaw!” Violetpaw’s mew jolted her from herdaze.

“What?” She blinked at her sister.“Aren’t you pleased?” Violetpaw was staring at

her anxiously.

Twigpaw shook out her fur. “Of course I’mpleased.” She forced a purr. “I’ve wanted this for solong.” I’m going to be a warrior. She was aware ofcats moving around her. A SkyClan warrior. The campseemed suddenly crowded. ShadowClan fussed overthe warriors’ den. SkyClan chattered eagerly.Twigpaw could barely breathe. “I have to get out ofhere.”

Violetpaw didn’t seem to hear. She was focusedon Hawkwing. “I wonder what my warrior name willbe. I hope it’s nice. Do you think Twigpaw will get anice name? She’ll probably get a fierce one. She’s sopractical.”

Twigpaw backed away.Hawkwing caught her eye. “Where are you

going?”“I just need some air,” she mewed.“Don’t be long.” Hawkwing’s eyes sparkled

brightly. “Leafstar will want to get on with theceremony.”

“I’ll be back.” Twigpaw turned and wove betweenSkyClan and ShadowClan, quickening her step as sheneared the entrance before racing out of camp.

She swerved from the track, crashing throughbracken, running as fast as she could, runninganywhere she could be alone. She reached a slope,where fallen trees crisscrossed the ground, leavingopen sky ahead. She pulled up, then stood panting.What’s wrong with me? Why was panic scorchingbeneath her pelt? This is everything I wanted.

“Twigpaw?” Finpaw’s mew took her by surprise.She turned and saw him at the head of the slope,looking down at her. “I thought I recognized your pelt.Where are you going? Dewpaw says you’re about tohave your naming ceremony. He’s taking Whorlpawand Flowerpaw back to camp to watch it.” He staredat her, puzzled. “Why are you out here?”

“I needed some air.” The run had left her furruffled. Heat pulsed from her pelt.

Finpaw padded toward her, his eyes round. “Areyou okay?”

“Yes.” Twigpaw pretended to be happy.“Leafstar’s announcement took me by surprise, that’sall. And the camp is so crowded. I just needed somespace.”

“I guess it’s a big thing,” he mewed. “Getting your

warrior name.”“Yeah.” She gazed at him. His yellow eyes

sparkled. His thick pelt rippled. “Violetpaw’s soexcited.” Finpaw looked more like a warrior than anapprentice. “You’ll probably get your name soon.”

“I still have lots to learn.” He was staring at herwarily, as though he’d guessed she was making smalltalk to hide something more serious.

“I should be getting back to camp,” Twigpawmewed. “The ceremony will start any moment.Violetpaw will never forgive me if I’m late.”

“It must mean a lot, sharing a naming ceremonywith her after being apart for so long,” Finpawguessed.

“Yes,” Twigpaw padded past him. “It’s whatwe’ve both always dreamed of.” Her heart twisted.But I always thought we’d be together inThunderClan. She thought of Alderheart andLilyheart. They wouldn’t be there to see her receiveher warrior name. And Ivypool. She taught me most.And she always supported me. She wondered whatthey were doing. Were they rebuilding the camp? Shehadn’t had the chance to tell Lilyheart how sorry she

was about Snowbush. At the Gathering, she’d watchedthe cats she’d grown up among, bruised and batteredby the rockslide, unable to speak to them becauseSandynose was watching her, waiting for her to proveshe was a traitor.

Finpaw fell in beside her. “You don’t seem veryexcited,” he mewed softly.

Twigpaw lifted her muzzle. “I am.” And I will be.She pushed thoughts of ThunderClan from her mind.This is what I chose. “It’s going to be the best dayever.” Hurrying, she followed the route she had come,pushing through the bracken and padding into camp.

Her Clanmates had formed a circle beside thestream. ShadowClan had joined them. Her sister wasstanding beside Hawkwing at one end, while Leafstarpaced in the middle.

“You’re here!” Violetpaw beckoned urgently withher tail. As Twigpaw crossed the ring, Finpaw paddedaround the outside of the circle and slid in besideDewpaw. “Where have you been?” Violetpaw hissed.

“I told you,” Twigpaw whispered back. “I went toget some air.”

Hawkwing lapped the fur between her ears.

Violetpaw fussed around her, smoothing her ruffledpelt with a paw. “You have to look neat.” Her eyeswere wide. She looked nervous. “I’m so excited. Ihope I say the right thing.”

“Just do what Leafstar tells you and answer whenshe asks you something,” Hawkwing advised.

“There are questions?” Violetpaw blinkednervously. “What if I don’t know the answers?”

“You will.” Hawkwing touched his muzzle to hercheek, then nudged her toward Leafstar.

“Violetpaw.” The SkyClan leader puffed out herchest as Violetpaw crossed the clearing to meet her.She touched her nose softly to Violetpaw’s head.

Twigpaw’s belly churned. I’m next.“I, Leafstar of SkyClan, call upon our warrior

ancestors to look down on this apprentice. She hastrained hard, and learned the warrior code. I commendher to you as a warrior in her turn.” She heldVioletpaw’s gaze as the apprentice looked eagerly intoher eyes. “Violetpaw, do you promise to uphold thewarrior code and protect and defend this Clan, even atthe cost of your life?”

“I do.” Violetpaw’s mew was thick with emotion.

“Then, by the powers of StarClan, I give you yourwarrior name.” Leafstar’s eyes glistened with pride.“Violetpaw, from this moment you will be known asVioletshine, in memory of your mother and because ofthe brightness of your spirit. StarClan honors yourbravery and your loyalty, and we welcome you as a fullwarrior of SkyClan.” She rested her muzzle onVioletpaw’s bowed head.

“Violetshine! Violetshine!” Yowls of celebrationrang around the camp as the other SkyClan cats begancheering Violetshine’s warrior name. Stonewing joinedin, then Grassheart. Juniperclaw, Snowbird, andStrikestone followed. Even Rowanstar moved his lips.Scorchfur glanced angrily at his Clanmates, but thenbegan to cheer beside them.

“Violetshine!” Twigpaw heard her own voiceringing among the others. I can do this, she toldherself. I only have to say I do.

Hawkwing’s mew choked. His eyes were clouded,his chest out. He’s so proud of her. Claws seemed toembed themselves in Twigpaw’s heart. I want him tobe that proud of me.

She padded forward, crossing the grass to where

Leafstar and Violetshine waited for her. Each pawstep felt heavier than the last, slowing until shestopped. She blinked at Leafstar, feeling sick.

She couldn’t do this. She felt like she wassuffocating, like she couldn’t get enough air. This isn’tright. I’m not SkyClan. . . .

The words tumbled from her mouth before shecould think about them. “I am ThunderClan,” sherasped. “I’m so sorry. I need to go back to them.”

Leafstar’s eyes widened in shock.The cheering of the Clans faltered into silence.

Twigpaw did not dare meet Violetshine’s eyes. Shetried not to imagine the expression on Hawkwing’sface.

She fixed her gaze on Leafstar. “I wish I felt like aSkyClan cat.” She wanted to run from the camp. Shewanted to race through the forest and burst intoThunderClan’s camp and tell them she was cominghome. She wanted to see their eyes light up and tohear them break into joyful purrs. But life was neverthat simple. What Clan would want a cat who couldn’tmake up her mind? I can make up my mind! This timeI know I’m doing the right thing. But would anyone

believe her? “I belong with ThunderClan.”Anger flashed in Leafstar’s gaze. “You should

have said something earlier.” Her pelt ruffled. “This isnot the right time to change your mind.”

Trembling, Twigpaw held her gaze. “It’s betterthan changing it after the ceremony.”

Sandynose padded forward. Twigpaw bracedherself for his harsh words, but his expression wasgentle. He stood beside her, his pelt touching hers.“Twigpaw has not made this decision lightly. I’ve seenher struggling to do the right thing. Her heart has beentorn in two directions since she came.” He looked atLeafstar. “I’m proud she found the courage to decide.”

Leafstar grunted. “She’s wasted our time.”“She’s found where her true loyalty lies. That is

not a waste of anyone’s time,” Sandynose meowed.“If she’d stayed here, with half her heart inThunderClan, what use would she have been?”

Twigpaw padded forward. “I’m sorry.” Shamecrawled beneath her pelt. She glanced at Finpaw. Hewas staring at her, disappointment in his wide yellowgaze.

Leafstar turned away, flicking her tail. “The

ceremony is over,” she meowed, dismissing thewatching cats.

Hawkwing hurried to Twigpaw’s side. “Sandynoseis right,” he meowed. “You’ve been brave.”

The claws in Twigpaw’s heart curled deeper asshe saw sadness flashing through his eyes. “I wantedto be with you and Violetshine,” she mewed plaintively.“But ever since I came here, I’ve felt guilty for leavingThunderClan.” She dropped her gaze. “And I’vemissed them.”

A growl sounded behind her. She turned.Violetshine glared at her. “You’re abandoning me

again!”“No, I’m not,” Twigpaw stiffened with shock. “I’m

still your sister. Nothing will change that.”Violetshine wasn’t listening. “You left me when we

were in ShadowClan. And you’re leaving me now. Allfor your precious ThunderClan! What’s so specialabout them? They’re just a bunch of meddling know-it-alls. Why do you want to be with them instead of me?”

Twigpaw could hear the pain in her sister’s anger.She wished she could fix it. She wished she couldpretend that her heart lay with SkyClan and stay here

with Violetshine and Hawkwing. “I’ll never be happy ifI stay here.”

“I don’t care!” Violetshine hissed. “I don’t care ifyou’re not happy! What about me? Why am I neverallowed to be happy?” Her eyes rounded as thoughshe realized what she’d said. Her body shook. Shedropped her gaze. “I’m sorry,” she mumbled. “I justbelieved that everything was finally going to be theway I dreamed it would be.”

Twigpaw thrust her muzzle against Violetshine’s. “Iwill always love you. And Hawkwing. And the timeI’ve spent with you will always be a special memory.”

Hawkwing pressed against them, soothingVioletshine with a gentle stroke of his tail. “Twigpaw isright,” he meowed softly. “We will always be kin.We’ll miss Twigpaw, but isn’t it better to know she’sfound where she belongs than to live with her knowingshe wishes she were somewhere else?”

Violetshine lifted her glistening gaze. “I just wishshe wanted to be with us,” she mewed thickly.

Guilt throbbed in Twigpaw’s chest.Leafstar cleared her throat behind them.

“Twigpaw, if you’re not a SkyClan cat,” she mewed,

her voice gentle but clear, “perhaps you should returnto ThunderClan.” She turned her gaze toward thecamp entrance.

Twigpaw stared at the SkyClan leader. Leafstarwouldn’t look back. I’ve disappointed her. “I’ll go,”she mewed. “Thank you for all you’ve done for me.”

Leafstar nodded without looking back and walkedaway.

Twigpaw touched her nose to Violetshine’s cheek,and then Hawkwing’s. “Take care of each other.”

Hawkwing blinked at her sadly. Violetshine turnedaway.

Her heart felt like it was breaking as she paddedtoward the fern entrance. She felt the eyes of herClanmates on her and heard them murmuring inhushed mews.

“ThunderClan!”“She was never really happy here.”“Then why did she come in the first place?”Would SkyClan ever forgive her?At the entrance, paw steps sounded behind her.

“Twigpaw!” Finpaw caught up to her.She looked at him, bracing herself for more pain.

Saying good-bye to Finpaw would hurt more thanunsheathed claws. “I’m sorry,” she began.

“Why?”“For leaving you,” she mewed. “I will miss you.”“You don’t have to miss me.” He stared at her

steadily.Was he asking her to stay?“I’m coming with you.” He lifted his muzzle

stubbornly. “And no one can stop me.”“But this is your Clan!” Twigpaw could hardly

believe her ears.“ThunderClan can be my Clan from now on.”Did he really mean it? “What about Sandynose and

Plumwillow, Reedpaw and Dewpaw?”“They can manage without me.” Finpaw fluffed

out his pelt. “I don’t care if I’m ThunderClan orSkyClan or even ShadowClan. Just as long as I’m withyou.”

Twigpaw stared at him, unable to find words. Shenodded to him and padded out of camp. Her heartstruggled from beneath the weight of grief, andseemed to sing with the birds twittering in the branchesoverhead as, purring, he followed her.

CHAPTER 23

“Why did she ask us to meet here?” Alderheart’sbreath billowed in the cold night air. He paced thelakeshore, pebbles crunching beneath his paws. Thiswas SkyClan land now, but it still carried the scent ofShadowClan. A few tail-lengths away lay theRiverClan border.

“I don’t know. She said we were to get as close toRiverClan’s shoreline as we could.” Kestrelflightpeered over the border. “I guess she’ll tell us when shecomes.”

Leafpool had arrived at ThunderClan’s camp thatmorning, promising she’d be home soon but that first,all the medicine cats must meet beside the lake atmoonhigh. Then she’d left, hurrying away to give thesame message to WindClan.

Now the waning moon hung in the crow-black sky.Stars glittered over the lake. Alderheart fluffed out hispelt against the chill and glanced at Jayfeather.

It surprised him that the blind medicine cat wasn’tcomplaining. He sat silently now, blinking into the

darkness.“Are you warm enough?” Alderheart asked.Jayfeather sniffed. “What does it matter? I’m here

and I’m staying whether I’m cold or not.”Alderheart felt reassured. Jayfeather would

always be Jayfeather. Leafpool’s secretiveness hadunnerved him. It wasn’t like her. He’d tried to read hergaze while she’d told him about the meeting. But itgave nothing away. Was she planning to break morebad news? Was there worse to come thanShadowClan’s collapse?

One spark of hope had lit the gloom that had hungaround Alderheart since the Gathering two nights ago.Twigpaw had arrived at the ThunderClan camp withFinpaw. She’d begged Bramblestar to take them in,and had told him that when she’d followed her kin toSkyClan, she hadn’t realized how deep her loyalty toThunderClan reached.

Bramblestar hadn’t said yes yet. He was worriedabout Twigpaw’s fickleness and wasn’t yet sure hetrusted Finpaw. According to Bramblestar, the SkyClantom had left his own Clan too easily. But he hadpromised to consider their request if they could prove

their loyalty, and Alderheart secretly felt sure that hisfather couldn’t turn them away when they hadnowhere left to go.

“Look!” Kestrelflight lifted his tail excitedly.An owl was swooping across the lake. The water

was so still it reflected the great outstretched wingsalong with the moonlight. The owl glided above thewater for the length of the lake before sweeping intothe air and circling around the island. Its cry echoedaround the hills as it disappeared among the trees.

“Was that a sign from StarClan?” Kestrelflightgasped. “Owls rarely go near the water.”

Jayfeather pulled his paws in tighter. “What do youthink they’re trying to tell us?” he grunted. “That anowl will save us?”

Kestrelflight turned on him crossly. “Why wouldn’tit be a sign?”

“We’ve had plenty of signs already,” Jayfeathergazed at him blindly. “We don’t need any more.”

Alderheart padded between them. “I would like tosolve one prophecy before we get another one,” heconceded. He felt frustrated that he’d made noprogress on finding the six-toed cat—if it even was a

six-toed cat they were meant to find. The rockslidehad left him little time to search beyond Clan borders.

The undergrowth at the top of the shore shivered.Four shadows moved in the moonlight.

“Leafpool!” Alderheart recognized her scentbefore he could make her out clearly. Puddleshine waswith her, and two more cats he’d never seen before.

They padded down the shore and stopped in frontof him.

Leafpool dipped her head. “Thank you forcoming.”

Jayfeather’s nose twitched. “Who are they?” Hisblind blue gaze pointed straight at the two cats standingbehind Leafpool.

Puddleshine whisked his tail happily. “They areSkyClan’s medicine cats.”

The mottled brown she-cat padded forward, hereyes shining. “I’m Frecklewish.” She nodded to theblack-and-white tom behind her. “This is myapprentice, Fidgetpaw.”

“Hello.” Fidgetpaw sounded nervous.“SkyClan has three medicine cats now!”

Kestrelflight sounded surprised. “WindClan is the only

Clan left with one. I think it’s time I found myself anapprentice.”

Alderheart caught Puddleshine’s eye. Kestrelflighthad included the ShadowClan tom among SkyClan’smedicine cats. How could he concede so easily thatShadowClan no longer existed? He looked awayquickly. “Twigpaw said that the patrol had returned, butshe didn’t say they’d brought back your medicinecats.”

Jayfeather flicked his tail toward Leafpool. “Youcan come home now that SkyClan no longer needsyou.”

“I will,” she promised. “As soon as Frecklewishand Fidgetpaw have settled in, and I’ve shown themwhere the best herbs can be gathered.”

“Let’s worry about herbs later!” Frecklewishshifted impatiently. “There’s more to tell. Hawkwing’spatrol brought back more than just Clanmates.”

There was excitement in her mew. Alderheartblinked at her.

Kestrelflight pricked his ears. “What else did theybring?”

Leafpool turned her muzzle toward the forest. A

fifth shadow emerged from the undergrowth.Jayfeather’s nose wrinkled. “A loner?”Alderheart detected the scent of a tom, and

stiffened nervously. The loner looked sleek and well-muscled, his yellow pelt glowing in the moonlight as hepadded toward them.

As he reached Leafpool, he dipped his head to themedicine cats. “I’m Tree.”

Jayfeather’s gaze narrowed. “You’re the six-toedcat.”

“How did you guess?” Alderheart turned to theblind medicine cat in surprise.

Jayfeather padded forward and sniffed the tom.“Why else would Leafpool make so much drama outof bringing us out?”

Leafpool sniffed. “There’s another reason I askedyou here. Didn’t you think it was strange I wanted tomeet on this stretch of shore?”

“I thought you wanted to save us the trek to theMoonpool,” Jayfeather grunted.

Alderheart wasn’t listening. He was staring atTree’s paws. Which one had six toes? It was hard tosee in the moonlight. Suddenly, he saw it—an extra

claw among the toes on his hind leg, just as StarClanhad predicted. He wished Willowshine could be here tosee it for herself.

Kestrelflight blinked at Leafpool. “Is theresomething special about this place?”

Frecklewish and Leafpool exchanged glances.“Yes.” Frecklewish answered. “We’ve had a

chance to talk with Tree. He has a power that mighthelp us.”

“I hope he does,” Jayfeather sniffed. “Why elsewould StarClan ask us to find him?”

Kestrelflight flicked his tail. “What is it?”“How’s it connected to this piece of shore?”

Alderheart’s ears twitched. How was the six-toed catgoing to help?

Paw steps sounded at the edge of the forest. Catswere padding from the trees, slinking onto the shore.The scents of ShadowClan filled the air. Scorchfur andJuniperclaw led their Clanmates across the pebbles.Tawnypelt walked beside Rowanstar. TheShadowClan leader gazed ahead blankly as Tawnypeltguided him forward. Violetshine followed behind. Shelooked nervous, as though she was self-conscious

about being the only SkyClan cat.Jayfeather bristled. “Why are they here?” he

demanded.Kestrelflight blinked at Puddleshine. “Did you

know they were coming?”“They have to be here,” Puddleshine explained.

“They need to see what Tree can show us.”Alderheart’s thoughts swam. What was the six-

toed cat going to show them? And what didShadowClan have to do with it? His heart quickened.Did Tree know how to keep ShadowClan fromdisappearing?

“Is this close to the place?” Leafpool gazed atVioletshine as the young warrior neared the water’sedge.

Violetshine’s eyes flashed with fear as she gazedacross the border. “Close enough,” she breathed.

Jayfeather lashed his tail. “What’s going on?”“We have to be close to where Needletail died,”

Leafpool meowed softly.“And the others.” Juniperclaw padded forward, his

eyes dark. His Clanmates shifted nervously aroundhim.

“Tree has the power to bring dead cats from thedarkness so we can see them,” Leafpool explained.

See the dead? Alderheart’s pelt prickled uneasily.“How?”

Leafpool blinked at him. “I don’t know. Nor doeshe. It was a gift he was born with.”

Tree padded to the border. “The dead are allaround us, all the time,” he meowed. “I can sensethem, and sometimes I can make them appear.”

Alderheart glanced over his shoulder, shivering.Unease wormed beneath his pelt. Are we beingwatched by more than StarClan? Was Needletailever close by when he was missing her?

“I can’t make all dead cats appear,” Tree went on.“Needletail told me about StarClan. I’ve never seen aStarClan cat. I think I can only sense cats who are stilltied to the living. They’ve stuck close to us. They can’tmove on until they’ve done what they feel they need todo. Like Needletail.” The loner glanced at Violetshine.“She will only find her way to StarClan when she hasfinished what she started here.”

Violetshine’s eyes glistened with emotion as Treewent on.

Puddleshine’s eyes were wide with excitement.“He says he might be able to make our lost Clanmatesappear,” he mewed breathlessly. “So many are gone.And we don’t know whether they died or got lost orleft with the rogues.”

Jayfeather fur ruffled. “Is that all you want toknow? Which of your Clanmates are dead?”

Kestrelflight padded closer to the loner andfollowed his gaze across the border. “How will seeingthe dead help fend off a storm? That’s what the six-toed cat was for, right?”

Leafpool exchanged glances with Puddleshine andFrecklewish. “We don’t know. But that is his power.Let him use it.” She turned to Tree as though signalingto him to begin.

Alderheart felt silence rise like a flood around him,swallowing every breath of wind. The cats were asstill as ice as they watched Tree gaze over the water.Hardly daring to breathe, Alderheart strained to seemovement, but nothing appeared on the wide, flatexpanse. Disappointment tugged at his belly.

“What are we doing here?” Rowanstar’s explosivemew shattered the peace. “There’s nothing to see.

This is crazy! That loner has bees in his brain. He’smocking us!”

“Hush.” Tawnypelt soothed him.Violetshine padded closer to Tree. She was staring

at him with complete trust. Once more, Alderheartturned his gaze to the lake. His heart lurched as hesaw movement. In the breathless air, the water beganto stir. Ripples moved across it as figures emergedthrough the surface.

Cats waded from the depths, emerging dry andwide-eyed onto the shore. Light glowed softly beneaththeir pelts.

“Beenose!” Scorchfur hurried forward to touchnoses with his kit.

His Clanmates streamed around him, rushing togreet the dead.

“Mistcloud!”“Lioneye!”“Dawnpelt!”They called their names, joy and grief choking their

mews in equal measure.Puddleshine’s ears twitched anxiously. “Where are

Cloverfoot and Slatefur?”

“Where’s Berryheart and Yarrowleaf?” Scorchfurasked Beenose.

“And Sleekwhisker?” Juniperclaw scanned thedead cats for his littermate.

“If they’re not with us, or in StarClan, they muststill be alive,” Beenose murmured.

“Alive?” Juniperclaw blinked.“Where?” Stonewing mewed.“Why have they stayed away from their Clan?”

Grassheart’s eyes rounded questioningly.Alderheart blinked, as shocked as ShadowClan to

hear that so many of their Clanmates might still be outthere, alive somewhere. His attention was snatchedaway as he recognized a ghostly pelt. His heartseemed to skip. “Needletail.” He stared at her as shepadded from the water, her pelt dry as bone andglowing as though she were lit from the inside. Griefchoked him.

She stopped in front of him, her eyes flashing in theteasing way they used to when she was still alive. “Didyou miss me?”

“Of course.” Alderheart’s mew caught in histhroat. She hadn’t changed. Even her scent was the

same. He felt her breath on his cheek as she turnedher muzzle.

“Violetpaw.” Needletail’s eyes glowed withaffection as she saw her friend.

“I’m Violetshine now.” She raced to meetNeedletail, a purr rumbling in her chest. She stoppedshort and blinked, as though a thought had just struckher. “You’re not with StarClan.”

“Not yet,” Needletail told her. “But I am withClanmates now, thanks to you and Tree. And we willnot go far until you are all safe.”

“You’re not angry with me anymore?” Violetshineblinked at her anxiously.

“I never was,” Needletail murmured. “You werethe best friend I ever had. We will always be sisters.”

Rowanstar stood as though his paws had becomepart of the shore, staring wordlessly.

Tawnypelt hurried from his side and brushed hermuzzle against the cheek of first Birchbark and thenLioneye. “It’s good to see you once more.”

“We never left you,” Lioneye mewed.“We couldn’t,” Birchbark told her. “Not until we’d

seen the wrongs put right.”

Beenose slid between them and faced Tawnypelt.“You must save ShadowClan.”

“How?” Rowanstar pushed past his Clanmates,growling, and faced the dead cats. “There’s nothingleft!”

Beenose stared at him, her eyes glittering in themoonlight. “There is you, and there is still hope. Youmust fight for your Clan, Rowanstar.”

“You must find your missing Clanmates,” Lioneyetold him.

Rowanstar lashed his tail. “Don’t look to me forleadership!” he snarled. “I failed my Clan. I failed mykin.” Pain crossed his face. Was he thinking ofTigerheart? “I’m not worthy of being their leader.”

Panic fluttered in Alderheart’s belly. He was givingup! “Rowanstar.” He faced the ginger tom. “You cantry. You can—”

Rowanstar cut him off with a hiss. “Don’t call meRowanstar! I have no right to that name.”

“But StarClan gave it to you!” How could he denythe gift given by his ancestors? Did he doubt theirwisdom?

“StarClan was wrong.” Rowanstar’s green gaze

burned with rage. “From now on I am Rowanclaw.”As he spoke, the ghostly cats began to fade.“No!” Alderheart’s darted forward, trying to reach

Needletail as she began to shimmer into the cold, nightair.

Puddleshine stared desperately at his fadingClanmates. “Don’t leave!”

“We have questions to ask!” Tawnypelt wailed.Needletail’s eyes burned for a moment longer. She

threw Alderheart a knowing look and disappeared.“I’m sorry.” Tree broke the startled silence. “It’s

hard to hold them here long.” He looked hopefully atthe distraught cats. “They delivered their message,right?”

Leafpool padded to Tree’s side. “Yes,” she toldhim gently. “Thank you for bringing them here.”

Tree blinked at her anxiously. “So everything’sgoing to be okay now? You can save the Clans?”

The loner waited for an answer, but no cat spoke.Alderheart gazed at him, wondering at Tree’s

simple faith. Didn’t he realize that the dead cats hadn’tdelivered a message of hope? They’d delivered awarning.

All the prophecies StarClan had sent since he hadbecome a medicine cat had told him to do one thing:bring the five Clans together to keep them strong. Andnow StarClan had gone to extraordinary measures tobring them this message—they must saveShadowClan. But ShadowClan couldn’t survivewithout a savior, and if Rowanclaw wasn’t up to thejob, who would be?

He stared into the lake where the ghost cats haddisappeared and felt a chill to his very bones.

What is left of ShadowClan? And how longbefore it’s too late to save them?

BACK ADS

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ERIN HUNTER is inspired by a love of cats and afascination with the ferocity of the natural world. Aswell as having great respect for nature in all its forms,Erin enjoys creating rich mythical explanations foranimal behavior. She is also the author of the Seekers,Survivors, and Bravelands series.

Discover great authors, exclusive offers, and more athc.com.

BOOKS BY ERIN HUNTER

THE PROPHECIES BEGINBook One: Into the WildBook Two: Fire and Ice

Book Three: Forest of SecretsBook Four: Rising Storm

Book Five: A Dangerous PathBook Six: The Darkest Hour

THE NEW PROPHECYBook One: MidnightBook Two: MoonriseBook Three: Dawn

Book Four: StarlightBook Five: Twilight

Book Six: Sunset

POWER OF THREEBook One: The Sight

Book Two: Dark RiverBook Three: OutcastBook Four: Eclipse

Book Five: Long ShadowsBook Six: Sunrise

OMEN OF THE STARSBook One: The Fourth Apprentice

Book Two: Fading EchoesBook Three: Night Whispers

Book Four: Sign of the MoonBook Five: The Forgotten Warrior

Book Six: The Last Hope

DAWN OF THE CLANSBook One: The Sun Trail

Book Two: Thunder RisingBook Three: The First BattleBook Four: The Blazing StarBook Five: A Forest Divided

Book Six: Path of Stars

A VISION OF SHADOWSBook One: The Apprentice’s QuestBook Two: Thunder and Shadow

Book Three: Shattered Sky

Warriors Super Edition: Firestar’s QuestWarriors Super Edition: Bluestar’s ProphecyWarriors Super Edition: SkyClan’s Destiny

Warriors Super Edition: Crookedstar’s Promise

Warriors Super Edition: Yellowfang’s SecretWarriors Super Edition: Tallstar’s Revenge

Warriors Super Edition: Bramblestar’s StormWarriors Super Edition: Moth Flight’s VisionWarriors Super Edition: Hawkwing’s JourneyWarriors Super Edition: Tigerheart’s Shadow

Warriors Field Guide: Secrets of the ClansWarriors: Cats of the ClansWarriors: Code of the Clans

Warriors: Battles of the ClansWarriors: Enter the Clans

Warriors: The Ultimate GuideWarriors: The Untold Stories

Warriors: Tales from the ClansWarriors: Shadows of the ClansWarriors: Legends of the Clans

MANGAThe Lost WarriorWarrior’s RefugeWarrior’s Return

The Rise of ScourgeTigerstar and Sasha #1: Into the Woods

Tigerstar and Sasha #2: Escape from the ForestTigerstar and Sasha #3: Return to the Clans

Ravenpaw’s Path #1: Shattered PeaceRavenpaw’s Path #2: A Clan in Need

Ravenpaw’s Path #3: The Heart of a WarriorSkyClan and the Stranger #1: The Rescue

SkyClan and the Stranger #2: Beyond the CodeSkyClan and the Stranger #3: After the Flood

NOVELLASHollyleaf ’s StoryMistystar’s Omen

Cloudstar’s JourneyTigerclaw’s FuryLeafpool’s Wish

Dovewing’s SilenceMapleshade’s Vengeance

Goosefeather’s CurseRavenpaw’s FarewellSpottedleaf ’s HeartPinestar’s Choice

Thunderstar’s Echo

Book One: The Quest BeginsBook Two: Great Bear Lake

Book Three: Smoke MountainBook Four: The Last Wilderness

Book Five: Fire in the SkyBook Six: Spirits in the Stars

RETURN TO THE WILDBook One: Island of Shadows

Book Two: The Melting SeaBook Three: River of Lost Bears

Book Four: Forest of WolvesBook Five: The Burning Horizon

Book Six: The Longest Day

MANGAToklo’s Story

Kallik’s Adventure

Book One: The Empty CityBook Two: A Hidden EnemyBook Three: Darkness FallsBook Four: The Broken PathBook Five: The Endless Lake

Book Six: Storm of Dogs

THE GATHERING DARKNESSBook One: A Pack DividedBook Two: Dead of Night

Book Three: Into the ShadowsBook Four: Red Moon Rising

Survivors: Tales from the Packs

NOVELLASAlpha’s Tale

Sweet’s JourneyMoon’s Choice

Book One: Broken Pride

CREDITS

Cover art by Owen RichardsonSeries cover design by Ellice M. Lee

COPYRIGHT

DARKEST NIGHT. Copyright © 2017 by Working PartnersLimited. Series created by Working Partners Limited. Map art

© 2017 by Dave Stevenson. Interior art © 2017 by OwenRichardson. All rights reserved under International and Pan-

American Copyright Conventions. By payment of therequired fees, you have been granted the nonexclusive,

nontransferable right to access and read the text of this e-book on-screen. No part of this text may be reproduced,

transmitted, downloaded, decompiled, reverse-engineered,or stored in or introduced into any information storage and

retrieval system, in any form or by any means, whetherelectronic or mechanical, now known or hereafter invented,without the express written permission of HarperCollins e-

books.www.harpercollinschildrens.com

Library of Congress Control Number: 2017943443ISBN 978-0-06-238649-6 (trade bdg.) — ISBN 978-0-06-

238650-2 (lib. bdg.) ISBN 978-0-06-269358-7 (special edition)EPub Edition © October 2017 ISBN 978006238652617 18 19 20 21 CG/LSCH 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

FIRST EDITION

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